Fifth Sunday after Pentecost: Epistle, Colossians 1:1-14                               

Colossians 1:1-14

Paul was inspired to put three virtues together. And he does it quite a bit. They are “faith, hope, and love,” or what the King James version translates as “charity.” And Paul kicks off his letter to the Colossian Christians citing these three as the foundation Jesus has laid in their midst. Their faith is radiating outward as is their love for all God’s people. And then to top it off their hope in what lies before them through the gospel ties up the package.

It’s not static either because Paul talks about the Colossians bearing fruit and the growth of their faith. How exciting it must have been for Paul to see his labor, filled and founded in the power of Jesus, begin to take root and flourish. It ought to be that way in every congregation of the saints. And it should be able to be seen that it is divine power through faith, hope, and love that is the pulsing reality behind it all. This marvelous epistle is all about Jesus. It shouldn’t surprise us, then, that the reputation of this young congregation virtually shouts His name and the gifts He most loves to give.

Lord, make us like the Colossians. Amen!