READING: Ephesians 5:15-6:24, Colossians 1:1-23
I love hearing stories from missionaries who have seen God work in mighty ways. I also enjoy hearing from those who remain faithful even when they haven’t seen fruit in their ministries, but the stories of God’s moving among the nations are always encouraging.
In the Colossians reading today, we hear the apostle Paul give this report about the work: “It [the gospel] is bearing fruit and growing all over the world . . . .” (Col 1:6). The phrase “all over the world” does not mean there were no places yet to hear the gospel; it was instead an intentional exaggeration to show the undeniable spread of the gospel in the early decades of the church. The gospel was powerful and effective, producing new converts and growing believers. It was making a difference.
Later in the same chapter, Paul prayed that the Colossian believers would also be “bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:10). May you and I bear evangelistic fruit, exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, grow in our spiritual walk, and be part of a church that extends the gospel to the nations!
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you bearing fruit in your life?
DAILY PRAYER: “Father, help me to walk worthy of You, ever pleasing You today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Colossians 1:24-4:18
