Remembering our Spiritual Parents

COLOSSIANS 1:6-8

“All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.”

The household of ladies who first opened up the Bible to me were ordinary women, three single professionals and one college student—Jamie, Renie, Joanne, and Michelle. I remember their humility and love for the scriptures. I remember their peace and transparency. It was so powerful.

I wanted to be like these women, taking the knowledge about God and how He viewed me and teaching it to others. For the first time, I understood why the gospel is considered “good news!”

A Parent to Others

Since then (more than 37 years ago), I have been an Epaphras to others—to Sherrie, Ashley, Kim, Mary Ann, Helen, Michelle, Tracey, Veronica, Monica, Alex, and so many others.

I shared with them how Jesus took my sinful mess and transformed me, producing a rich harvest in my life (Galatians 5:22-23) and how he could do it in theirs.

My thriving marriage is further evidence of God’s ability to do the impossible—raise a shattered relationship from death and bring new life to it. 

Engaged in Gratitude

But when I let the fear of pain, rejection, or abandonment control me, it’s because I have forgotten what Paul says, “God’s grace in all its truth” (Colossians 1:6).

How do I prevent this? How do I continue to grow in my “understanding of every good thing I have in Christ” (Philemon 6)? By staying in his Word and showing my gratitude to God and my spiritual parents by actively sharing the good news with others. 

QUESTION: Who was your Epaphras and how did you learn the gospel from them? Who are some of your spiritual children and how did they learn the gospel from you?