Colossians 2:5

Main Thought: Paul, even though writing this letter during his imprisonment, is still seeking to encourage these believers through his letters and prayers. Truly these churches that he had ministered in and had taught in were dear to his heart. It appears that some word had gotten back to him concerning their spiritual growth and progress. In the very first verses of Colossians, we find the phrases “Faithful brothers” (Col. 1:2), “Thank God…for you” (Col. 1:3), and “Have not ceased to pray for you” (Col. 1:9). What caused joy in his heart was hearing of their faithful standing for Christ, their continued walk with the Lord. This caused rejoicing for Paul and should cause rejoicing for us when we see fellow brothers and sisters in Christ advancing in bearing spiritual growth and faithfulness in their daily walk. It would have been so easy for him to be discouraged in this difficult time of his life, but Paul, instead of focusing on himself, focused on what God was doing among the people he had ministered to and helped establish as a church. This testimony of Paul should speak to us as well, that when we are tempted to let life’s circumstances discourage us, we should look upon the spiritual and physical blessings that are ours in Christ, and also rejoice in the ways in which God is blessing our brothers and sisters in Christ. It speaks to the necessity of being in a church family and surrounding ourselves with the people of God, who will encourage us with their own words and by seeing how God is working in others to transform them. May the rejoicing of the apostle Paul be an encouragement to all of us, and may we have a firm faith that encourages and brings rejoicing in others.