[192 words]
It was Paul’s wish for all Christians “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” (Eph. 3:17).
The word “dwell” in this verse brings forth a powerful concept concerning our relationship with Christ. According to Robertson’s New Testament Word Pictures the root of the word in the Greek means “to make one’s home, to be at home.” Isn’t that interesting! Jesus is not only to make His home in our hearts, He is to be at home there, as well.
The question to ask ourselves in light of this is: “Is Jesus ‘at home’ in my heart?” Some people only want Jesus in their hearts as a visitor. But Jesus wants to dwell in our hearts and “be at home” with all we feel, say, and do. This brings a whole different perspective into the picture.
Our whole lives extend from what our heart desires. We must keep our hearts pure and sincere. Jesus will then “be at home there” and many good things will come to our lives as a result. How do we make our heart so that Jesus feels at home? The text tells us: “through faith.”
Edd Sterchi
Broadway church of Christ
Campbellsville, KY