by Jordy van Gaalen

May We Be Encouraged in Heart

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.”
Colossians 2:2 NIV

How often do you need comfort and encouragement? I know I sure need it plenty. I have found myself craving it even more so this past year. The Israelites needed it, the disciples needed it, and we need it all the same. Our loving Father knows this and He is Faithful.

We see in the New Testament much struggle over false teachers. Some of God’s followers were being led astray and given information that was contrary to the Gospel. Today, we are constantly bombarded with a plethora of information. It isn’t always easy to sift through all that we hear, read, and see. God encourages us, as he did the original followers of Jesus, to stay strong in our faith. We have the inerrant Word of God at our disposal and we have the gift of the Holy Spirit for discernment. 

Love is what bonds and unites. We see it between God and His people and between brothers and sisters in Christ.

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:14 NIV

It is love that joins and holds together. It builds up and strengthens us all. We must love as God has shown us to love. 

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

The enemy sets out to divide and destroy. But it is love that strengthens God’s people against those tactics. 

The goal in this verse is that we will have the assurance of the Gospel. We can be encouraged together in love and leave doubt behind. We can find comfort in our Lord’s blessings and the promises of grace. We have been redeemed.

The mystery of God can only be recognized through divine revelation. Jesus Christ is the heart of this mystery. The mystery encompasses his role as Mediator, prophet, priest, and king. It also is in regards to his incarnation and redemption. He is righteous and holy, and through Him we have full grace and pardon. This truth is revealed to us through the Spirit.

How could we not take comfort and encouragement in this truth? We have a Savior who unites us and binds us together in perfect love.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado