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Colossians 1.3 (NIV)
We always thank God . . .
when we pray for you.
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| The true matter of our rejoicings for others is not that God has given them health, riches, fame, etc., but faith and love . . . , the one being the root, the other the fruit of Christian virtue.* |
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People
who get letters from Paul should be warned that he always starts out with the
good news before he “warns and rebukes.”* While it was his habit to soften his readers up
a bit, Paul was not guilty of empty flattery. His affection and regard were
genuine.
In
the case of the Colossians, Paul had heard of their faith in Jesus Christ and
their love for each other, and he was proud of them. We might struggle with how
to deliver a compliment while still giving God the glory but Paul has it all
figured out. Instead of saying how beautiful the soloist’s performance was, we
should say, “I thank God for you.” When my friend prayed out loud – in public –
for the very first time, I was so proud of her; however, my making a fuss over
her made her uncomfortable. I wish I had told her then, “I thank God for you.” Now we say it to each other occasionally!
Jesus
said to love our enemies and to pray for those who mistreat us. Could Paul’s
principle be applied to praying for our enemies as well? What if we thanked God
for the people who have hurt us? It’s easier to pray for someone you are
thankful for.
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| Our love and compassion grow along with our faith when we come before God on behalf of others.* |
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