Paul prayed a prayer for his friends and it’s found in the Book of Ephesians. He desired that they would know the breadth, length, depth, and height of God’s love. How interesting it is to see the answer to that prayer displayed in the Savior’s sacrifice on Calvary as described in John 3:16 … “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
That well-known and memorized verse not only contains saving truth, it’s also the proof of God’s great and unconditional four-dimensional love for His children. Look at it for a moment:
The Breadth of God’s Love
God so loved the world. Not just a nation, but the world; not just one race of people, but the whole world. All seven (7) billion people on this globe are loved by our Heavenly Father. His perfect love is not limited to race or economic standing, but is expansive enough to reach out to every person born to humanity.
The Length of God’s Love
He gave His only Son. That’s how far He was willing to go to redeem us from the terrible and eternal penalty of sin. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
The old hymn seems to say it best …
“O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure,
The saints’ and angels’ song.”
The Depth of God’s Love
Whosever believes in Him shall not perish. That’s how deep His love goes. None are so lost that His love cannot find them, because according to Scripture, His love covers a multitude of sin. Did you ever notice how snow can even make a junk yard look pretty? God’s love is like that. Love covers my imperfection and faults, and brings me to a place of being accepted into my Father’s wonderful family.
The Height of God’s Love
We shall have everlasting life. That’s how high His love reaches. From the “gutter-most” to the “uttermost.” His love has prepared a place for us that defies human description. Just when you thought that having peace and serenity in this life was enough, Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you that where I am, there you may be also.”
“Oh, how He loves you and me …
He gave His life, what more could He give?”
Love’s four dimensions have embraced me and brought me into His glorious kingdom. That same love reaches out to you today through the embracing arms of Jesus.
Tim Hill
