Good morning! This week we will finish our reading in the book of Colossians. More specifically, we will read Apostle Paul’s final instructions and greeting to the believers in Colosse, which are found in Colossians chapter four verses seven through eighteen. Goodbyes are different for everyone, but Apostle Paul said more than just goodbye at the end of his letters. Join me as we spend the next few days reading verses seven through eighteen.

Bible verse – Colossians 4:7-11 NLT

“⁷ Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord’s work. ⁸ I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. ⁹ I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will tell you everything that’s happening here.

¹⁰ Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way. ¹¹ Jesus (the one we call Justus) also sends his greetings. These are the only Jewish believers among my co-workers; they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been!”

Reflection

Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the believers at Colosse. While Paul was in prison the Lord still used him and Paul faithfully served. The Lord was with Paul and blessed him with the company of other believers including Mark (Barnabas’ cousin) who left Paul on his first missionary journey (Acts 12:25).

Sisters and brothers, Apostle Paul had faithful Christians who he was surrounded by. Those brothers encouraged him in a space that was meant to break him. Yet, Paul also knew the significance of sending them off to others to share the gospel and encourage others in their faith.

Apostle Paul could have been in his feelings about the situation he was in, but he recognized the faithfulness of the Lord and his brothers in faith. Paul could have turned his back on Mark who had abandoned him on his first missionary journey, but instead they reconciled and were together again.

Sisters and brothers, I do not know what you are going through today, but the Lord is with you and He is faithful. Ask the Lord to guide you in relationships with other believers. Ask the Lord to work in you and use you to encourage others. Ask the Lord to heal broken relationships, racial division and division in general from within the church.

Here are a few questions to ponder:

• Are you willing to allow the Lord to use you to encourage others in the faith?

• Who are you praying for today?

• What relationship with another believer calls for amends? Will you allow the Holy Spirit to give you discernment on how to mend that or those relationships with other believers?

Prayer

Father God we thank you for all that you have done for us. Thank you for sending your son Jesus to save us and reconcile us back to you. There is no one else who can make amends like you Lord. Lord, we thank you for being faithful and for never leaving us. We thank you for the times when we needed encouragement and you were right there. Lord, help remind us to be an encouragement to others. Help us to point others to you. Lord, wherever there are areas in our lives that require us to amend, help us to take the necessary steps to heal and heal those relationships. Lord, we trust that you will protect us and keep us. Continue to mature us in our faith, in our relationships and in every area that represents You. Lord, we pray for those who are sick and ask for full recovery. We pray for those who are in need of healing. We pray for those who mourn and ask for you to comfort them. In Jesus name, amen.

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