Good morning people who are part of God’s church that represents Jesus accurately.

Colossians 2:1-3 NIV I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 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, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Paul’s goal was to encourage the believers in heart and to see them united in love.

If this was the attitude and focus of every believer, the church would look very different and the world would be drawn to the beauty of God in us.

The essence of being encouraged is having courage put into you. These are difficult times that we live in and many have lost hope. Every person needs constant encouragement. Yes, like King David, we should encourage ourselves in the Lord. But there are also many scriptures that exhort us to encourage each other. This is what we are called to do as believers.

Paul’s desire was for the believers to be united in love. This is interesting because, too often, our focus is on being united around issues. This is not what Paul wrote and nor do I believe it is God’s greatest desire for us when it comes to unity.

God Himself is love, and when we are united in love, at its deepest core, we are united in Christ Himself. When He captures our attention more than issues, love wins, the church is healthy, and the world pays attention.