We’re told again to be giving thanks. We pray steadfastly. We continue in prayer. You don’t give up praying. You pray with thanksgiving. God is able and willing and loving and good and perfect in all His ways and He hears and answers the prayers of those He keeps in His ways, always pleasing to Him.

Pray for me and for yourself, as Paul asks, that God would open a door for His Word to go out and that we may speak it clearly.

Be on the lookout for God bringing people into your life and across your path. Be wise. Time is short. Trust God is in control, and use your time and opportunities for His glory. Speak in love. Rely on the Lord to show you how to respond to people.

The letter ends with a list of people. They are faithful and beloved Christians. Are you faithful and beloved to Christ? Are you faithful and beloved to other believers? We love and serve God alone, but that looks like loving and serving others.

You should be able to be counted on. If you say you’ll do something, you should do everything you can to follow through. People should count you faithful. You shouldn’t leave a church or a group, etc., because you found something “better.” You stay. You remain faithful unless the Lord specifically leads you.

Paul and Barnabas had a dispute at one point about Mark. Paul didn’t want Mark traveling with them. Things have been mended. Paul calls him a fellow worker and a comfort.

As much as is in your power, don’t leave things broken. Forgive. Forget. Just like God does for you. You have no right to hold onto an offense or unforgiveness in any way after what God freely offers you. You don’t have to rehash things. Forget what’s behind and move on. Forget. Love them like Jesus does, with no debt that needs repaying.

Paul is in prison. He can’t go in person. He writes letters. Let the Lord lead you in how to mend a relationship, how to show love when there’s been a separation. Always love. Always pray. Never write someone off or give up hope. But it’s not all in your power. You do what you can and wait and pray with thanksgiving.

Paul asks to be remembered. When you are praying for someone, let them know from time to time. People want to be remembered.

I’ll close out Colossians with this exhortation. “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received from the Lord.” What’s your ministry? Live to God’s glory. Honor your authorities. Love and forgive one another.