Thus far in our study of Colossians we have considered the Opening of Paul’s letter. He has greeted them, told them how he is thanking God for them, informed them how he is praying for them and why such prayer makes sense in light of Christ’s identity as Lord of all. Today we begin to read the final section of Paul’s opening where he informs the Colossians what he has been doing for them and why he is writing. And the first thing that he has been doing is rejoicing in his suffering for them – not just suffering but rejoicing in it. How is this possible and how can we learn to  rejoice in suffering?