Colossians 4:2–4

 As we begin 2026, may God guard our hearts and minds

Dear brothers and sisters, warm greetings to you all. As we begin a new year, I would like to share my first pastoral reflection for 2026 from Colossians 4:2–6. This passage was also part of my devotional sharing with the Cantonese Ministry Management Committee (MC), and I believe it offers timely guidance for us as we journey together in the year ahead. This passage teaches us three important lessons that can help us serve together prayerfully as we step into the new year.
Intentional, Focused Prayer and Praying for Others
Colossians 4:2–4 reminds us: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful… And pray for us, too…”
The first call here is to pray. I often hear Pastor Rebecca Kwok share how she devotes time each morning to prayer, and I have much to learn from her example.
The apostle Paul gives us two clear directions for prayer. First, we are to be watchful and thankful. Being “watchful” reminds us that prayer is not something we do casually or as an afterthought. It calls for intentional focus. When we pray attentively and purposefully, our prayers become meaningful and powerful.
Second, we are to pray for others. Paul asks the believers in Colossae to pray that God would open doors for him to proclaim the mystery of Christ. At the time of writing, Paul was in chains, unable to travel freely to preach the gospel or establish churches. Yet he trusted deeply in the power of prayer. This reminds us that our first calling is intentional, focused prayer and praying for one another.
Living with Wisdom – Becoming God’s Wisdom to Others
Colossians 4:5 says: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.”
When leaders look for co-workers, they often look for those who are knowledgeable or experienced. Experience tells us what to do; knowledge tells us how to do it. However, Paul draws our attention to something deeper — wisdom.

Biblical wisdom is not merely about what we know, but how we live out what we know. Even without formal training or extensive experience, we can still live wisely by faithfully living out a Christ-like life.
Before we teach or guide others with our knowledge or experience, we must first live out the life of Christ ourselves. The same applies to evangelism. Often, family members and friends need to see the gospel lived out in us before they become curious about the God we believe in. Let us therefore relate to others with wisdom — allowing the life God has given us to become wisdom to those around us.
Speech Filled with Grace, and seasoned with salt
Colossians 4:6 says: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
In today’s society, both what we say and how we say it matter greatly. During last year’s Cantonese Ministry MC Retreat, Pastor Rebecca Kwok led the MC through the “Five Love Languages”, one of which is Words of Affirmation. When we hear affirming words, we feel loved, valued, and accepted.
This verse highlights the importance of gracious speech. While some translations use the word “gentle”, the original Greek word chariti (χάριτι) is better translated as “grace”. Paul’s emphasis is not merely on being gentle, but on speech that is rich in grace. Just as food seasoned with salt becomes flavourful and satisfying, our words should be gracious, meaningful.
Conclusion
Dear brothers and sisters, as we begin 2026, may God guard our hearts and minds and help us to:
• Pray intentionally and with focus, and pray for one another
• Relate to others with wisdom — allowing our God-given lives to become wisdom to all
• Speak with grace, words that are rich and meaningful

May the Lord bless and guide our service in the year ahead, and may He use us to extend His Kingdom. Amen.