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Colossians 1:7-8
Paul is making an additional connection with the Church at Colosse through a common friend and servant of Christ, Epaphras. By making this connection, the Colossians will know that the gospel in which Paul is teaching them is authentic. In addition, Paul shows the love and compassion of Christ (1) when he refers to Epaphras as a faithful minister of Christ, and (2) that Epaphras has said good things about the Church in Colosse.
This is an example and encouragement of a fellow Christian.
This is a command to be uplifting of one another – In Christ.
Jesus taught a parable in Luke 10:25-37 of the “Good Samaritan.” In this parable, Jesus taught that we should have caring hearts for anyone in need, whether it be friend or foe. As the Samaritan was the only one in the parable who stopped what he was doing, took the time out of his busy day, and helped someone in need. He not only helped him at that moment but made provisions for the one in need and left with a promise that he would return and continue to provide for the one in need. Jesus ends this parable by commanding, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37, NKJV).
God designed us to care for one another; that is why we feel so good inside after we follow this command—it is God’s blessing to us for following His will for our lives. This is one of the ways in which we can receive God’s blessings on our lives instantly and truly know that He exists and wants to give us blessings. I encourage you to lend a helping hand, with a sincerity of heart for the one in need; that feeling in your heart immediately after this is the Lord’s blessing to you—it is God’s Holy Spirit blessing you and working in you to show you that He is real and that He loves you for being obedient to Him. This is never-ending, so do it often with sincerity of heart. It is an addiction that is good to have – In Christ.
Dear Lord,
I pray that everyone who reads or hears this message will seek out the ones with which You place in our paths that are in need; that we all would lend a helping hand to someone in need today; that we would set the good example for others to see You working in our lives and be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world today. And in doing so with sincere hearts to be obedient to You, LORD, that you fill our hearts with blessings which will overflow us with the knowledge that You are real and working in our lives through Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.