In this book of the Bible is Paul writing a letter to his mates at Colosse. I guess if Paul was alive today, he would probably have emailed what he had to say. It wouldn’t have taken months to get there; it would have been there in a second. Notice how Paul starts his letter. He is overflowing with praise for his mates. He says things like “I have heard great stuff about you, you are the people of Christ.” He goes on, “I am always praying for you dudes.” What a way to greet people. Do we greet the people we know in the same way? How do you encourage your youth leader, your pastor, your parents, your mates? I love to joke and so often greet people with words like “Hello Muppet” and whilst that’s often not a problem, words do have an impact. The Bible describes our tongues like a sword. Do you greet your mates with words like “hello dumbo” or “hello fat boy?” You’ll probably get away with it most of the time, but what about that day when they have just had everything go wrong? Would it be better for us to lift their spirits? Maybe words like “Hi my man” followed by, what great things you’ve have been hearing about them, would be better. Maybe Paul’s right, maybe the first words out of mouths to people we know should make them feel better and not worse. It’s almost like God would want it that way!
