Paul’s ministry included Christians like the Colossians who he had never seen face to face. He had a great struggle for them in care, desire, and prayer (vv. 1-3). He was concerned lest someone deceive them (v. 4, “delude”), and he was rejoicing in their discipline and stability (v. 5). Paul is a model for all of us in many ways, but here, we see the model of pastoral concern. While we may not all be pastors, it does show us how we can care for others well.