"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven." - Colossians 1:3-5
Because of our joyful anticipation of what awaits us in heaven, we are filled with love for one another. (We’ll be spending eternity together, so we might as well treat one another with love now!)
As we hear of the faith of other Christians, we rejoice with them and give thanks to God for them. We hear of some who stand firm in the face of dreadful persecution, and we’re moved to love them, too. We pray for them and ask, “How can we help them?”
Begin with prayer for them. Learn about their lives so that you can pray more effectively, and as you do that the Lord will show you what else you can do.
Lord Jesus, You have given me faithful brothers and sisters around the world. I am filled with joy as I learn about them. I pray for them. I know they are facing the same temptations that I face and many have to stand firm in persecution for their faith as well. Lord, give them strength to be faithful, and show me how I can serve them. Bring us and them safely Home together by Your grace. Amen. Pastor Dan Giles