Ephesians 3:17 - “…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love…” Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 reminds us that a life grounded in Christ’s love brings strength, resilience, and purpose, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa of the Seventh-day Adventists Church.

Let’s unpack this verse through the following three points:

1. Christ Must Dwell in Our Hearts

True strength begins with Christ’s presence within us. Jesus doesn’t just visit us once in a while - He wants to dwell in us. That means making our hearts His permanent home. And when He dwells in our hearts, we experience His peace and guidance.

Revelation 3:20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock…” Paul reminds us that Christ knocks on the door of our hearts, longing to enter and abide with us. He wants to live in us through faith.

Imagine your heart like a home. It becomes a true home when it’s filled with love, warmth, and family. When Christ dwells in us, our hearts become His home making it a place filled with peace and purpose.

The encouragement for each of us is to make room for Christ in every aspect of our lives. Daily prayer and devotion will keep His presence alive within us.

Let Jesus make your heart His home. Let Him stay, not just a visit.

So, when Christ lives in us — He doesn’t leave us weak. His love becomes our foundation.

2. Be Rooted and Established in Love

When we are rooted in Christ’s love, we won’t be shaken by life’s storms.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 describes a tree planted by water, unshaken by drought. Likewise, God’s love keeps us steady in trials.  

Paul uses the word “rooted” - like a tree. And “established” - like a strong building.

Think of a tall coconut tree. Even when strong winds blow, the tree stands firm - because its roots go deep. That’s what God’s love does for us - it holds us firm when life gets hard.

Many of us may have gone through experiences that’s shook your faith. Maybe you faced heartbreak, failure, disappointment.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 reminds us to be “…like a tree planted by the waters… its leaves are always green…”

To be deeply rooted in God’s love…open the Bible, remind yourself that you’re loved, chosen, forgiven, and called for a purpose.

God’s love is your anchor. Establish deep roots in His love, and you will stand strong - no matter what comes.

Now that we’re rooted in His love, how do we move forward successfully. That leads us to our final point.

3. To Walk by Faith, Not Fear

When Christ dwells in us, faith becomes our foundation. We face the unknown with confidence, knowing He is with us.

Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that “…faith is the assurance of things hoped for…” 

Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ” …this is the secret to Paul’s success

Picture a fisherman setting sail, trusting the ocean’s currents and God’s care. In the same way, we can continue moving forward throughout 2025 with faith.

Though this year may be filled with uncertainty…whether you will get that job? Finish your studies? Heal from that broken relationship? Whatever it is - choose faith. Trust that Jesus, who lives in your heart, is already ahead of you.

Faith is not knowing every step - it’s trusting who’s walking with you. And if Christ is in you, you have nothing to fear.

In closing…if you want to move forward with confidence…Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 is a reminder to:

1. Let Christ dwell in our heart — every day.

2. Stay rooted in His love — it will hold you firm.

3. Walk forward in faith — even if you can’t see the full path.

And as we navigate our way forward and into the future, don’t just aim to survive instead thrive in Jesus. Be bold. Be grounded. Be faithful. But most of all Be encouraged! As Christ lives in you, you are never alone and never powerless.

Lord, our prayer is that you will dwell in our hearts through faith. And may our roots grow deep in Your love so that we can stand firm not only for this week or this month but for the rest of our lives. Help us to walk by faith, not fear. May you be our strength, our peace, and our guide throughout the rest of this year. In Jesus name, Amen.