Holy and Faithful

Read Colossians 1:1 through 3:4

Sometimes when we read the New Testament or the history of the Early Church, we do so with idealistic filters. We imagine the early Christians as almost sinless dynamos of faith who risked everything in order to follow the Lord.

But Christians then, like Christians today, were sinners redeemed by God’s grace. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs is inspiring reading, true, but it is a chronicle of redeemed sinners who pressed on in their faith with God’s help.

To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father (Colossians 1:2).

Paul’s greeting bears out this truth, especially when it is read in the context of the entire epistle. The Colossian Christians were far from perfect. However, as they continued to rely on God, they received His grace and peace and could live as “holy and faithful brothers.” By relying on God and His grace, you can press on and be counted as a hero of the faith among the holy and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ.

PRAYER SUGGESTION:

Ask God to give you the grace and peace to follow Him wholeheartedly and to be His living witness no matter what happens.