Epaphras, our much loved co-worker, was the one who brought you the Good News. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us in your place. He is the one who told us about the great love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you. So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom.
Colossians 1:7-9
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK
In Touch Ministries - 11/09/06
Epaphras, the Apostle Paul’s co-laborer in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ, reported back to Paul on the loving nature of the Colossians. When they embraced Jesus Christ as Savior, they obviously began to show great love to others. Knowing Jesus will do that to you. Think about your own life. Where are you living this out? Where are you making your faith come alive by showing love for others?
Paul was pleased with the report from his brother in the gospel. He asked God to add wisdom to the love that the Colossians were showing. Think for a moment about that prayer. Can we show love and be outside God’s will? Sure we can. Have you ever seen examples of love that cripples? Let me give you a couple examples. If your expression of love for a needy person is only a hand-out and not a help hand up, it may make them dependent. If your expression of love to an addicted family member is to continually be their safety net, you are not addressing their real need and risk becoming co-dependent. If your love for your child is to give them everything they cry out for, you fail to teach them the lessons of the value of hard work or being satisfied with what they have. You may cripple them for the life they face as adults.
Paul prayed that God would add wisdom to loving nature of the Colossians. We are approaching the season where there are many opportunities presented for believers to show their loving nature. I pray as you show love you will be filled with spiritual wisdom in your expression.
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