When I was growing up in church, we spent a lot of time learning about missionaries and the work they were doing around the world. And every summer that I went to youth camp, we collected a mission offering. Without ever meeting these people, but through hearing their stories, praying for them, and supporting their ministries, I came to love them and the people they served.

This is a little like Paul’s relationship to the early Christian church at Colossae. He has only heard about them, yet in his letter, he expresses his thankfulness for the church and a deep care for their well-being. He prays for them and offers them encouragement. Without ever meeting these believers, Paul exhibits great love for them!

What unites Paul to the Colossians – and us to diverse Christian communities around the world – is our shared faith in Christ and the love that God has for us all.

by Meredith Shaw from d365.org