Faith That Speaks For Itself

Colossians 1:4 — “Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints.”

When Paul wrote to the church at Colossae, he did so without ever having set foot in their city. Yet something powerful had reached his ears: the testimony of their faith and love. He writes, “Since we heard…” (Col. 1:4). Those three words remind us of a vital truth: true Christianity cannot stay hidden. It bears a witness so strong that others take notice and speak of it.

The Colossians’ reputation spread by word of mouth. Paul didn’t need to witness it firsthand, because their faith was so genuine and their love so practical that Epaphras, their faithful pastor and messenger (Col. 1:7), could confidently report it. Their faith was not merely internal belief, but an outward, lived reality.

This principle shows up elsewhere in Scripture. Writing to the Thessalonians, Paul said, “From you sounded out the word of the Lord… in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing” (1 Thess. 1:8). The gospel had taken such root in their lives that others proclaimed their story before Paul could even introduce it.

1. A Faith That Travels Beyond Our Sight

Notice: Paul had never been to Colossae, yet their testimony reached him hundreds of miles away. Faith, when real, travels farther than our physical steps. The light of a believer’s testimony can shine beyond personal circles.

Think of a lamp in a house by the roadside at night. The owner doesn’t set out to shine it for the travellers, but it cannot be hidden. Christ said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matt. 5:14). If our faith is real, it will shine—even when we aren’t trying to force it.

We should ask: If someone who has never met us were to “hear” about our faith, what would the report sound like? Would they hear of consistent devotion to Christ? Of love in action? Of joy that stands in trial? Or would silence speak louder than testimony?

2. A Love That Leaves a Mark

Paul didn’t just hear of their faith, but also of their love “to all the saints.” Love is the fruit of genuine faith (Gal. 5:6). Real Christianity is not simply about holding correct doctrine in the heart, but demonstrating Christ’s character in our relationships.

When others talk about us, do they mention our kindness, patience, and care for fellow believers? Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). The Colossians were known not merely for what they believed, but for how they loved. Their love was indiscriminate—“to all the saints”—not just those easy to love.

Love has a way of leaving footprints wherever it goes. It feeds the hungry, comforts the broken, welcomes the lonely, and forgives the offender. When love flows from faith, it becomes unmistakable, and the world cannot help but notice.

3. A Testimony That Speaks Without Words

The Colossians didn’t send out press releases or self-promote their church. They simply lived out their faith and love, and others bore witness. Epaphras carried the news to Paul, not because the Colossians wanted recognition, but because faithfulness naturally creates a testimony.

In today’s world of constant self-advertisement, this is refreshing. We live in a culture that teaches us to “curate” our lives—posting the highlights for approval. But God’s way is different. When faith and love are genuine, they don’t need to be manufactured or marketed. They are seen and heard naturally, as fragrance fills a room. Paul called the generosity of the Philippians “an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God” (Phil. 4:18).

Sometimes the most powerful witness we give is not through what we say about ourselves, but what others observe and share about us.

4. Application for Us Today

The phrase “Since we heard” is a challenge to every believer. What is heard about us? What reputation precedes us?

• At work: Do colleagues notice integrity, diligence, and grace under pressure?

• In the community: Do neighbours know us as people who serve rather than complain?

• In the church: Do fellow believers experience our encouragement, prayer, and support?

• In the family: Do our spouses and children see faith lived out authentically, or only spoken about?

Faith and love leave trails. Our lives are like stones cast into water—ripples extend far beyond the point of contact. We may never know how far our testimony travels. Paul didn’t see Colossae, but he heard about them. In the same way, someone we may never meet might hear of Christ through the echo of our life.

Our Closing Challenge

Paul rejoiced over the Colossians’ testimony, though he had never met them. That should be our goal—not to be known for self, but for faith in Christ and love for the saints. A faith that speaks, and a love that leaves a mark, will always spread a reputation that glorifies God.

So today, let’s live in such a way that if someone says of us, “Since we heard…”—what they hear will be the unmistakable evidence of Jesus Christ at work in us.