Colossians 1:11
“Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →He prays they would be strengthened by God's glorious power, so as to meet all things with patience, endurance, and joy.
What Does Colossians 1:11 Mean?
Paul continues his prayer, asking that the Colossians be empowered. The strength he seeks for them is measured by God's own glorious power -- a vast standard, not a trickle of help.
Yet notice the purpose to which this mighty power is bent. It is not for spectacular feats but for patience and longsuffering -- the unglamorous strength to endure hardship and difficult people without breaking or growing bitter. And it is crowned with joyfulness, so the endurance is not grim but gladdened. Real spiritual power often looks like a believer who keeps loving and keeps trusting under strain that would crush them otherwise. Paul knew such pressure himself. He prays that God's strength would meet the Colossians exactly there, in the long obedience that only divine power makes joyful.
In the Original Language
Makrothymia (μακροθυμία), 'longsuffering' -- patient endurance with people, literally a 'long temper,' slow to anger and quick to bear.