Paul finished his letter with final heartfelt greetings to specific people in the church at Colossae. Colossians 4:7-15

“Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord’s work. ⁸ I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. ⁹ I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will tell you everything that’s happening here.

¹⁰ Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way. ¹¹ Jesus (the one we call Justus) also sends his greetings. These are the only Jewish believers among my co-workers; they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been!

¹² Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. ¹³ I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

¹⁴ Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas. ¹⁵ Please give my greetings to our brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.“

What can we glean from these verses? First, Paul wanted to reassure the Colossian Christians that he was doing fine and to be encouraged by his words of testimony that will be passed on by Tychicus and Onesimus. When you send cards, emails or calls to friends do you tell them how you are spiritually to encourage them? Do you tell them how God has blessed you, led you, answered prayer, and is revealing Himself to you in new ways? Paul is encouraging us to relate not only our well being physically but spiritually too.

Next, Paul explains fellow workers with him in the cause of Christ that are sending greetings. Isn’t that natural to tell others about people they know and what is happening with them? Here Paul is saying they have been a great comfort to him personally and are growing spiritually more mature in their walk with the Lord. What kind of things do you tell others about mutual friends? Are they uplifting and centered on their kindness or do they tend more towards gossip?

Then, Paul mentions praying Epaphras. Wow! He is known as one who upholds others in consistent prayers. He is genuinely concerned about their growth, witness and steadfastness in Christ. Do you have friends that pray for you and your personal growth? Do you pray for others in this way? If not, why not?

Lastly, Paul remembers Luke, the author and traveler for Acts and the gospel of Luke. Luke and Demas know many of them and wish to greet them again to renew that relationship. Is there someone you’ve served with in ministry that you need to renew the contact? Is there a friend or neighbor you’ve been missing and need to reconnect with? Now is the time.

Paul did not say good-bye but hello from many. He wanted them to know they were loved and cherished by many even there in far away Colossae. Because Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I can continue in relationship with fellow believers from now to eternity bringing encouragement and hope as we focus on Christ.

Linda