Thankfulness

 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
Colossians 1:3 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/col.1.3.ESV

Much of Colossians was written as a corrective: to make sure that the Colossian church was satisfied in Christ alone and not thinking He isn't enough. Before launching into that though, Paul starts off with real encouragement. He and Timothy were genuinely encouraged by the Colossian church.

Why were Paul and Timothy encouraged? In summary, because of the Colossian church's faith in Jesus, their love for one another, and their hope of eternal glory. This is true of Christians whether we're tempted to follow false teachings or not.

What is the ground of our faith, hope and love? It isn't being particularly clever or intelligent. Our faith, hope and love are rooted in Christ our Lord.

Paul and Timothy were regularly in prayer for the Colossian church. Are we regularly in prayer for churches we know of? God, help us to be faithful in upholding one another before the throne of grace.

'Heavenly Lord, may we uphold our brethren regularly in thankful pray to You. In the name of our Saviour Jesus we pray, amen'

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