“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints” (Colossians 1:3-4)
As we noticed yesterday, the apostle Paul did not personally know the Christians in Colossae. He heard about them from Epaphras, his fellow servant. This man had preached the Gospel in Colossae and was ministering there. He knew exactly what was going on in this young church. So, what did Epaphras tell Paul about these people? He mentioned their “faith in Christ Jesus”, their “love for all the saints” (Colossians 1:4) and their “love in the Spirit” (Colossians 1:8). Wow. That is a great testimony! No wonder Paul says he always thanks God for them!
Imagine someone giving a report about your local church. Or imagine a friend introducing you to one of his colleagues. What descriptions would they use? Would they mention your faith and love, or would other characteristics fit better? Would their reports give cause for gratitude?
Even more important than other people’s reports about us, is God’s verdict. He knows what is going on in churches and in the lives of individuals. He even knows our deepest thoughts and convictions.
If He was to characterize you in a few sentences, which words would fit best?