I had never heard about mangrove trees until last month. During my daughter’s study of Africa for school, we learned about the mangrove trees that grow along the coast of Africa. Mangroves are amazing trees. They grow on the edge of the coast or river and are constantly sending down new roots into the water. Deep down into the mud at the bottom of the sea those roots plunge and hold strong. So strong that when ocean storms rise and waves beat on the shore, the mangroves hold the shoreline firm. In fact, soil builds up in the web of roots and adds to the land. More mangroves spring up, creating a grove that protects, defends, and grows the land.
The first part of chapter three of Ephesians is about the revelation of the mystery of salvation through Christ. Verse 9 says Paul’s mission is “to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things,”
Bringing light to others is the mission God entrusts to us as well. We are to bear witness to the glorious love of God for all of us, that He sent His Son to die in our place. We are lanterns of love to the world, shining the way to the love of God.
One of my favorite verses in Ephesians happens in chapter three as well. “so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV)
I love the visual of rooted and grounded in love. We must dig deep to put down roots into God’s love for us so that when storms come, we stand strong and resilient like the mangroves, improving the landscape around us rather than toppling.
I picture us as mangroves lining the coast, with lights hanging in our branching showing the way. We put down roots of love that help to build up the coast and make room for more Christians to recognize God’s love and put down their own roots. We stand strong against the tempests of life and light the way to true Love. Love that sacrificed Himself for us. A Love that surpasses all knowledge.
Those roots are filled up with all the fullness of our great God. Through our faith in God, we are given a knowledge of the gigantic love of Christ toward each of us.
Put down roots. I believe a lot of Christians have a surface knowledge of the love of God. It’s time to dig deep into God’s love. To focus on its depth and breadth and height, the extent of God’s huge love for us.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (ESV)
Before we cared about Him at all, God loved us with an everlasting love. When we were actively opposing Him, God gave His only begotten Son to pay the ultimate price for us.
Action Step: Let’s spend a little time everyday to reflect on the love of God. When we really see how much God loves us, our disappointments in ourselves and others are handled with more patience and grace. I am printing out this printable and putting on my bathroom mirror for me and my whole family to be reminded of God’s love for us. You are welcome to do the same!
Dear God, thank you so much for your wonderful love for us. Help us to be mangrove trees that put down roots deep into your love and shine lights to direct people to You. We want to be strong in You, able to withstand any storms that arise in our lives. Thank you for your strengthening love for us! In Jesus’ name, amen.