peace to live by

Paul's Love for the Church, Parts 1 (TMF:2624)

Thursday, May 29, 2025
Peace to Live By: Paul's Love for the Church, Parts 1 (TMF:2624) - Daniel Litton
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       Paul basically appeals to love in the next verse, when he says, “For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ” (ESV). Notice the importance of Paul being present with them. And while he couldn’t be in his physical body, for he was locked up in Rome recall, yet he could be with them in spirit. This was true love, love on the Apostle’s part for the church. A good cross reference passage to this is found in 1 Thessalonians 2. Let’s read it, starting in verse 17. It says, “Since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us” (ESV). Note the phrases, “in heart,” “more eagerly,” “and with great desire.” One can see the Apostle’s love for the Thessalonians, and it was no different here for the Colossians.