Part 1 - Rooted Relationships: Faith, Friendship & Love in Colossians 1:7-8

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Part 1: The Gift of a Faithful Friend

Scripture:"You learned the good news from Epaphras. He’s our dear friend and servant. He serves Christ for us. Epaphras told us about your love, which comes from the Holy Spirit." (Colossians 1:7-8, simple version)

Let’s Talk About Friendship

Have you ever thanked God for the people who help you grow close to Jesus? The Colossians had Epaphras.

He was a real friend. He taught them the gospel, and he stuck by them. Epaphras wasn’t in the spotlight, he just cared deeply. I think we all need someone like him in our lives.

Maybe it’s a friend who prays for you. Maybe it’s a neighbor who shares hope. Maybe it’s someone who just listens.

What Does Being “Faithful” Really Mean?

Faithful means you do what’s right, even when no one is watching. Faithful is loving Jesus and loving people, day after day.

Epaphras did just that. He taught. He encouraged. He pointed others to Christ.

Sometimes, faithful is helping out in small ways.

Sometimes, it’s big—like sharing your story or starting a ministry. Most of the time, it’s just loving well where you are.

Love in the Spirit—What Does That Look Like?

Paul talks about “love in the Spirit.” This isn’t just regular kindness.This is love that comes from the Holy Spirit inside us.

It’s love that sticks through good and hard days days. It’s love that forgives, hopes, and lifts others up.

How do we know this love? We feel it growing inside us. We see it in others—patience, joy, and gentle care.

When Epaphras saw this love in the church, he shared the good news with Paul. Love is worth celebrating!

Let’s Journal Together

• Who is your “Epaphras”—that spiritual friend God sent to encourage you?
  

• Write them a little note. Or pray and thank God for them.
  

• Can you remember a time when someone showed you “love in the Spirit”?
  

• Write about what happened.

  
  

Questions to Wonder About

• Why did Paul talk about Epaphras instead of himself in these verses?
  

• What does “love in the Spirit” look like in real life?
  

• Who could you encourage this week just by noticing their faith or kindness?
  

A Simple Prayer

Jesus, thank You for friends who point me to You. May I be known for my love in the Spirit. Show me how to encourage others, just like Epaphras did. Let Your good news shine in me, one day at a time. Amen.

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