Today’s devotion comes from Colossians 4:7-9.
“As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts; and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here.” Colossians 4:7-9.
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Some of us tend to be more secretive about our affairs than others, and there may be good reasons to be more secretive about our affairs.
But, there are some advantages to disclose more about our affairs to others. In today’s devotion, because of Paul’s arrangements to use his brothers to disclose information about his affairs in today’s Scripture, we will focus on some advantages to disclose more about our affairs to others. “For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts;” Verse 8.
“But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts.” Ephesians 5:21-22.
Disclosing good news encourages others.
“Bright eyes gladden the heart;
Good news puts fat on the bones.” Proverbs 15:30.
“Like cold water to a weary soul,
So is good news from a distant land.” Proverbs 25:25.
“How lovely on the mountains
Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who announces peace
And brings good news of happiness,
Who announces salvation,
And says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7.
Disclosing news about our affairs results in others praying for us.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:16.
Disclosing our struggles (and the grace of God that helps us to endure) shows Christ in us and builds up the faith of others in God.
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-10.
“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:1-3.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 