Colossians 1:3-4

³ We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, ⁴ because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people.  

There are times where loving others is not easy. We all have our own different stories, struggles, and perspectives. Occasionally, this can lead to misunderstandings or even hurt. Even so, God calls us to love one another not by our own strength, but by the grace He gives.

Paul’s prayer partners in the church of Colossae are known to be faithful. One of the ways they practiced their faith is through their love for all God’s people. They weren’t perfect people, but they were known for the way their faith was exercised in how they they loved others. Paul saw that love as the product of the Gospel at work in their lives. Love isn’t always about grand gestures; often, it’s shown through quiet acts of kindness, forgiveness, prayer, and being there for each other. It’s not something we have to force. Love flows when we stay connected to Christ and let His Spirit lead us.

How is God calling us to love the people that He has surrounded us with? What are practical ways we can build each other up? Let us continue to practice our faith in God by loving the people He gave in our lives and by recognizing that this is only possible by His grace. May we learn to love the way God loves us.

Lord, please help me exercise my faith in You with love for Your people.

><((‘> .. ><((‘> … ><(((“> tmec/lms <“)))>< .. <‘))>< .. <‘))><