Our Love For The Church – Colossians 2.1-7

1 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is (Colossians 2.1-7).[1]

      Jesus said, “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13.34-35).[2] Love, it is a powerful word, one we use in many ways and it has many means to us today. Unfortunately, for us, only a couple of those meanings really deal with the true meaning of love. Love for us means a strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties or affection based on admiration, benevolence or common interests or devotion. Love, therefore, in its truest form is a deep emotional connection to something or someone, just like God had with us. He was deeply connected to us, so much so that He sent His Only begotten Son to die in our place, pay our price, by shedding His blood on the cross. He was buried, defeating death, hell and the grave and raising from the dead, becoming the first born of the resurrection so we could have eternal life, praise God. He now sits at the right hand of God the Father making intercession for us. What love, amazing love the Father showed us, when we did not deserve any of it (Romans 5.8, 8.1-11, 1 Corinthians 15.54-55, 2 Corinthians 5.21, Hebrews 2.14-15, Revelation 20.14, 21.4).
      Paul’s love for the church for people he had never seen is an example we must follow. But he did not just love them, he contended for; was striving hard in the faith and power of Jesus Christ for the church, the whole church (1.24-29). We must also strive hard in the faith of Jesus Christ, not by our own power, but in Christ’s power and strength (Matthew 28.18-20; 2 Corinthians 12.9; Ephesians 1.15-23, 6.10). Strive for those we have never met, for those who have never heard His Word, to share His gospel. To share His love throughout all Christ’s church, not just with those we know. This is what Jesus was saying when He said, “They will know you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13.38).
      As much as we must love one another, we also need to be encouraged. Encouraged in our heart and to encourage others to know the full riches and understand of who Christ is and what He wants to do in and through our lives. We can do this by understanding all the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge God has given us in His Word. They help to keep us on the right path and focused on who God is (Psalm 119.105, Various Psalms). There is always those out there who want to deceive and confuse us, to lead us astray, down the wrong path, away from the truth of the gospel. Therefore, it is important we remain grounded in the Word of God, using His instructions, commandments, precepts, wisdom, and instructions to guide us, lead us, move us, direct us, and place us in the right locations to be used by God at the right time.
      No matter where we are, where God calls us to serve or go, we can still be together in spirit. We are one church, one body of believers, we are Christ’s church, His bride and therefore, we can stand firm in our faith, grounded in who Jesus Christ is, in His sacrifice, and the Living Hope secured by His precious blood. This is our faith, our promise, founded and secured by our living God, Brother, Friend, King, Savior, Jesus Christ.
 
Application

1. How are you doing with loving those you see within your local church? Read I John 4.1-21, paying close attention to every time John uses the word ‘Love.’ Then ask yourself, “Do I love God according to verses 20 and 21?” Please explain.
2. How difficult is it to love people you have never met? How about other Christians? What if God was going to send you to one of those locations you have never been, how would that change your thoughts on loving those people? Please explain.
3. Are you an encourager? If not why not? What would you need to change to be more encouraging to others? Please explain. If you are an encourager, please explain how you are encouraging people to grow in their faith and understanding of who Christ is?
4. How is your faith? Are you standing firm in the gospel of Jesus Christ? If not, what could you do differently to help you have a firmer foundation of your faith? Please explain.

 
Prayer
 
      Lord our Father, You are Faithful, Wonderful, Councilor, Healer of my soul. I come before you today asking for peace in my life. For You to help me have an understanding of how to better love those I cannot see, as well as love those I do see. Help me to love Your church, to serve You as You want, to be faithful in all things Lord. To have an understanding and wisdom to share Your gospel message to others, while standing firm in my faith of Who You are and what You desire for my life. Lord help me to do my best for You, as I encourage others to follow You every day. Lord give Your church strength to carry out Your plans and to continue to be faithful in these difficult times.  I thank You for Your salvation, grace and mercy, in Your precious Son Jesus Christ’s Name I Pray, Amen.

[1] The New International Version. (2011). (Col 2:1–5). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2020). (Jn 13:34–35). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.