Colossians 1:3-4 "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people."
In Paul's letter to the Colossians, he begins by letting the Christians know how thankful he is for them. This one statement struck me hard this afternoon because it prompted me to ask myself how often I take the time to tell others not just that I love them but I am thankful for them. There is definitely a difference. As Christians we are called to love one another, it is a command not a choice. But by telling someone that you are thankful for them its as if you are saying, "You are important to me, I truly care about your existence or I'm so glad that God has placed you in my life." This little statement carries with it a burst of affirmation that so many people long to hear and is a sweet acknowledgement that their life matters in the grand scheme of things.
He goes on to say that he is thankful for their faith in Christ Jesus. Basically, Paul is thrilled that the gospel has spread and that they've become part of the family of God. These precious souls are now new creations who can share the gospel themselves so there are even more opportunities for God's Word to go forth. Paul lived each day with a hunger and desire to share his faith and the unconditional love of Jesus Christ so you can about imagine how this news thrilled his heart. There is nothing sweeter than when others come to understand why you believe the way that you do, know the reason that you are so passionate and then make the decision to accept your beliefs and follow them.
Not only was he thankful for these Believers and their faith but he was thankful for their love for all of God's people. When God comes to live inside of each Believer, He begins a refining process and one of the beautiful characteristics that comes forth is their love for one another. And when we share that love with a thankful heart and express our feelings it disarms satan and begins to build bonds of endearment that will greatly benefit the body as a whole, Jesus said, "The world will know us by the love that we have for one another." (John 13:35) As members of God's family we are to love unconditionally, accept one another completely, and forgive on purpose. When this happens it paints a beautiful portrait of God's love for the world to see.
I want to challenge you to take some time today to encourage a fellow Believer in Jesus Christ. You just might be the very catalyst that brightens their day.
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Personalize this prayer.
Dear Lord,
I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God. I've been washed in His Spirit and raised by His blood. We are joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod and I love them. It is a joy to serve along side of them. Lord, show me how I can be more of an encouragement to my brothers and sisters in Christ as we live out our lives together on this mission field. Unite our hearts and unify our purposes so that as we minister together it is obvious that love abounds. Give me discernment and wisdom to know when they are hurting or in need and help me to act on it as You lead me. I have experienced abundant blessings from the hands of my fellow Believers and I want to be able to reciprocate that love. May our church be a safe haven for those that are hurting or in need and may they feel an overwhelming presence of Your love when they come to worship with us.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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