14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21
In a world that increasingly celebrates individualism and self-sufficiency, there’s something profoundly countercultural about gathering together as believers. While our culture whispers that we can travel alone, Scripture tells a different story—one where community, accountability, and shared faith aren’t optional extras but essential ingredients for spiritual growth.
The apostle Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 reveals something remarkable about the nature of Christian community. When Paul prays for believers to be “strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,” he’s not praying for isolated individuals pursuing solitary spiritual journeys. He’s praying for a family—”the whole family in heaven and earth”—to comprehend together “what is the width and length and depth and height” of Christ’s love.
This vision of collective spiritual growth challenges our modern sensibilities. Yet within it lies profound wisdom about how God designed us to flourish.
Tony French
