Colossians 1:3-4

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—

(v3-4, NIV)

Why is Paul thankful to God when praying for them? In the next verse, we see that it is related to their faith. They have faith in Jesus Christ, which is reason enough to be thankful. When one comes to trust and have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, this is another welcomed into the Kingdom of God. Jesus tells a few different parables in Luke 15 about this very thing. There is a shepherd with one lost sheep, a woman with one lost coin and a father with a wayward son. There is much effort invested in finding that which was lost and much rejoicing when finding what was lost.

An interesting characteristic of their faith is that they have heard about it. News is reaching Paul about their faith in Jesus. Perhaps the effects of their faith have affected others in such a way that the news is spread to Paul. Perhaps news was brought to them through Epaphras. Either way, their faith was such a faith that Paul even received word about it. This makes me think about my own faith. Is it one that is so apparent that others would hear of in a good way? Of course the idea is not to do things so that other men may see it. However, it is humbling and important to examine and think about whether I am truly living a life worthy of this gospel to which I've been called to. This living up to is not something that would merit salvation, but a natural response to the wonderful, loving gift of grace that comes from him.