ColossiansSample

I love cards: birthday cards, valentine’s day cards, thank you cards, and CHRISTMAS CARDS! They add a special touch to any gift. The way the whole family will pass it around, adding a name in a different color with a different handwriting. It says, love.

The final greeting of Paul’s letter reads like a card to me. Ten different names are listed. At first glance… and second, these seem meaningless. C’mon Paul, I was expecting some grand exit, and all you have to say is, “Your friends say hi”? I looked further into the verses, hoping for some revelation- for the names to align and spell some hidden secret, but what I found was simple.

Your friends say hi.

Yes, Paul’s letter was meant to correct the church of Colosse, but more than anything, it was meant to encourage them. What better way to encourage than to list specifically the people fighting for their perseverance? Tychicus and Onesmus are on their way to bring this letter to you. They can’t wait to be with you!

My best friends, Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus, are here supporting you. Epaphras, the one who taught you faith, he’s been laboring in prayer for you. Luke and Demas are thinking of you. You are not forgotten. A whole crowd of believers is fighting in your corner. You can do it.

Do you need encouragement today? You can do what the Lord has called you to. You have the strength to step into obedience and out of sin. You have a list of friends, maybe that you’ve never met, praying for your encouragement today.

1. Pray that each person reading this devotional would see their next step clearly. Pray for their strength to see it through.
2. Who in your life do you need to reach out to and encourage today?