Encourage Your Hearts // Day 27
Colossians 4:7-13 (New International Version)
Final Greetings
7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[a] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Application
Often times, these sections of Paul’s letters can be overlooked because they don’t have any “practical application” for us and only mention names of people that often times are difficult to pronounce. However, there is much to found here in the way of encouragement. Look at how Paul lifts up his fellow workers and exhorts the Colossians in making certain they are welcoming and encouraging to those who are faithfully working towards the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Think about the day ahead. How can you live in such a way that you become an encouragement to those around you, lifting others up as you walk forward in this faith journey?
