Colossians 1:8 – “and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.”

Extended Explanation

Paul is speaking about Epaphras, the man who first preached the gospel to the Colossians and helped establish their church (Colossians 1:7). Epaphras had traveled to visit Paul, who was in prison, and had brought good news about the Colossian believers-specifically, their love in the Spirit.

This phrase, “love in the Spirit,” is significant. Paul is not just talking about ordinary human love. He is talking about a love that comes from the Holy Spirit-a love that is deeper, selfless, and godly. It is the kind of love that is evidence of a true, Spirit-filled Christian life.

Paul sees this love as a sign that the Colossians are genuinely transformed by the gospel. True Christian love is not just about being kind; it is about being led by the Holy Spirit to love others the way Jesus does.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter from prison, likely in Rome (A.D. 60–62). The Colossian church was relatively new, and Paul had never visited them personally. However, Epaphras, their pastor and mentor, had been keeping Paul informed about their spiritual growth.

This was especially important because the Colossians were facing false teachings-a mix of Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and mystical ideas. Some were trying to add to the gospel, suggesting that faith in Jesus was not enough.

Despite these challenges, the Colossians remained strong in faith and love, and Epaphras was eager to report this to Paul. Their love in the Spirit was evidence that they had truly embraced Christ and were living in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Theological Implications

1. True Christian love is the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul is not talking about human affection but about a supernatural love that comes from God (Romans 5:5).
2. Love is evidence of genuine faith. The presence of “love in the Spirit” shows that the Colossians’ faith was real. Jesus Himself said that love is the mark of His followers (John 13:35).
3. Love in the Spirit unites believers. The Colossians were a mix of different backgrounds, but the Spirit united them in Christ, just as He does for all believers (Ephesians 4:3).

Literary Analysis

• “Who also told us” – Paul is relying on Epaphras’ firsthand report. This shows that Paul was closely connected to the church, even though he had never visited them.
• “Your love in the Spirit” – This phrase sets apart spiritual love from ordinary love. The Holy Spirit is the source of this kind of love, and it is a key theme in Paul’s letters (Galatians 5:22).

Paul often pairs faith and love in his writings. In Colossians 1:4-5, he mentioned the Colossians’ faith in Christ and love for all believers, rooted in hope. Now, he emphasizes that their love is Spirit-driven.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Galatians 5:22 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…” (Love is the first fruit of the Spirit.)
• Romans 5:5 – “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”
• John 13:35 – “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
• Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
• 1 John 4:7-8 – “Let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Real love comes from God. It’s not just about being nice-it’s about the Holy Spirit working in us to love as Christ loves.
2. Our love should be visible to others. Just as Epaphras told Paul about the Colossians’ love, our love should be so real that others notice it.
3. Love unites believers. In a world full of divisions, love in the Spirit brings unity in the church and reflects the heart of Jesus.
4. Love is evidence of the Spirit’s work in us. If we lack love, we should ask: Are we truly walking in the Spirit? (Galatians 5:16).

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God is the source of all true love. His love is not based on emotions but on commitment, sacrifice, and grace (1 John 4:8).
2. God fills His people with love. He does not just command us to love-He gives us His Spirit so we can love.
3. God’s love unites His people. The Colossians’ love in the Spirit showed that God was bringing together people from different backgrounds as one family in Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

• Jesus is the perfect example of love in the Spirit. His entire life and ministry were led by the Spirit, and He showed perfect love to all (Luke 4:1, John 15:13).
• Jesus commands His followers to love. Before His death, Jesus told His disciples to love one another as He had loved them (John 13:34).
• Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to help us love. After Jesus’ resurrection, He sent the Holy Spirit so believers could live in His love and power (John 14:16-17).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does “love in the Spirit” mean in your daily life?
2. How does your love for others reflect the work of the Holy Spirit in you?
3. Is your love for others something people notice and talk about (like the Colossians’ love was reported to Paul)?
4. How can you depend more on the Holy Spirit to love as Christ loves?
5. Are there any areas in your life where you struggle to love others? How can you ask God to change your heart?