HELP OTHERS WALK WORTHILY OF JEHOVAH - Effective Help for Colossians

Effective Help for  Colossians

In order to consult with Paul about conditions in the Colossian congregation, Epaphras made the arduous trip to Rome.  He reported on the faith, love and evangelizing efforts of those Christians.  (Colossians 1:4-8) Yet, he must also have shared his concern about negative influences threatening the spirituality of the Colossians.  Paul responded with an inspired letter that countered some of the views that false teachers were spreading.  He focused particularly on the central role of Jesus Christ should play. Was his help limited to stressing key Bible truths?  How else could the help of the Colossians, and what lessons can we learn about helping others? 

Early in his letter, Paul provided insight into a form of help that we might overlook.  It was a means of giving help that was effective from a distance, Paul and Epaphras being far away from Colossae.  Paul affirmed:  "We thank god the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ always when we pray for you."  Yes, these were specific prayers for Christians in Colossae.  Paul added:  "That is also whey we, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension." -Colossians 1:3,  9.

We know that Jehovah is the "Hearer of prayer," so we can trust his readiness to hear our prayers offered in harmony with his will (Psalm 565:2; 8:6; Proverbs 15:8, 29; 1 John 5:14) When it comes to our prayer for others, though, what are our prayers like? 

We may often think and pray about 'the entire association of our brothers in the world.'  (1 Peter 5:9) Or we may approach Jehovah about Christians and others in a region hit by a disaster or a tragedy.  When first-century disciples elsewhere heard of the famine in Judea, they must have offered a multitude of prayers for their brothers even before sending relief funds.  (Acts 11:27-30) In our day, prayers about the entire brotherhood or about a large group of brothers are often heard at  Christian meetings, where many need to understand and be able to say "Amen." -1 Corinthians 14:16.

Next time:  HELP OTHERS WALK WORTHILY OF JEHOVAH - Be Specific in Prayer

The Watchtower, 2000