Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

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. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing–as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

– Colossians 1:1-8 (ESV)

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you . . .”

Is there anyone in your life that you thank God for every time you pray for them? This is an interesting kind of thankfulness; it is another way to worship God, when you think about it. For who else could turn a fallen human being into a vessel of grace producing thankfulness in others?

Notice the traits of the Colossians that Paul extols: their faith in Jesus and their love for the saints. And both of these springing up from hope. Faith, hope and love – these are the evidences of the Spirit in a person’s life, and are the marks and reflection of Jesus. Do you know someone full of the Spirit and overflowing with faith, hope, and love? When I think of the people I know who are like this I can’t help but worship God for them. Because it is through them that I get just a taste of the deep love God has for me.

I recommend that you often take a moment to think about and pray for those who have demonstrated faith, hope, and love to you, and thank God for them. It is through such as these that the gospel bears fruit throughout the whole world!