Read Colossians 1:3-5

In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 13 is considered by many to be the “Love Chapter” as it is read in many wedding ceremonies. (I use this passage in my ceremony). Paul sums up the chapter in verse 13…

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” ( 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV)

Faith, hope, and love are mentioned numerous times in the Bible as the true marks of genuine Christianity. The three come from God alone and cannot be replicated by man’s best efforts. Here in Colossians 1, Paul mentions these three essential aspects of our faith, but in a different order.

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel… Colossians 1:3-55 NIV

When Paul prays for this struggling church, he always thanks God for their faith, love, and hope. Their faith was placed securely in Jesus Christ and His saving grace. Salvation comes from believing in Christ and Him alone. This faith is demonstrated by the love the Colossians show to “all God’s people”. To claim to be a Christ-follower but be unloving would be paradoxical. Loving our neighbors, especially other Christ-followers is a sign of true faith. This love for all God’s people (regardless of race, gender, social status, etc.) is what made the church so unusual and attractive in the ancient world. The church was a truly unique experience in the Roman empire…and it still should be today!

Finally, Paul writes both the faith and love of the Colossians springs from the hope they have found in the gospel message. Paul lists hope last because he understood that this hope “stored up in heaven” was the reason for the faith and love of the Colossians. Prior to hearing the gospel message from Epaphras, the Colossians were godless pagans who had no true hope in this world. Having found this hope in Jesus Christ, there now was a reason and purpose for living and anticipation for eternity.

Although this letter was written nearly 2000 years ago, this letter is every bit as relevant for us today. If Paul were writing to us and our church today, would he also write that he was thanking God for our steadfast faith in Christ and our genuine love for each other that springs from the hope we have found in the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Let us live in such a way that Paul would have no hesitation to write these same things about us!!

Questions to consider:
Thinking about the question above, what do you think Paul would write about your life?
What would he write about the church you attend?
If you are not sure Paul would write positive things, ask God to open your eyes to the changes you need to make. If you think he would write positive things, thank God for your faith, love, and hope that only come from Him.