“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.” – Colossians 1:4-5
Paul praises and prays for the Christians in Colossae because of their faith and love for fellow believers. What is the reason for their overflowing love for others? Their confident expectation (that’s what hope means in the Bible) of what waits for them in heaven. They know that as blood-bought children of God, there is a glorious eternal inheritance waiting for them in the presence of God the Father and God the Son.
If Jesus is your Lord, then you have that same inheritance waiting for you! Uncountable years to enjoy the presence of God. Unending centuries without temptation or sin, sorrow or grief, illness or death. That is the guaranteed inheritance of every Christ-follower because Jesus purchased it for us with His blood. Your sins are forgiven. Your rebellion and separation from God has been reconciled. You have been adopted as a child of God. Therefore, His eternal estate is waiting for you.
Let this hope work in your heart the way it worked in the hearts of Colossians. Let your confident knowledge of the love and inheritance of God that awaits you motivate you to love your brothers and sisters in Christ. All of them, even the ones who can be difficult to love. Love them extravagantly. Love them generously. Love them patiently. Love them sacrificially. Love them humbly. Love them graciously, particularly if they don’t deserve it. Become famous for your love for other believers in ways large and small. #FollowJesus