When you think about a Christian “laboring fervently” (NKJV) or “laboring earnestly” (NASB) or “always striving” (ASV) or “always struggling” (ESV), what do you think about it? I’m sure the constant struggle of faithful living comes to mind. But what if two words were added to the end of each of these phrases above: “laboring 
fervently… laboring earnestly… always striving… always struggling for you“? Those two words give that expression a whole new meaning. Now, the constant struggle is on behalf of fellow Christians. BUT, the verse isn’t done yet!
In commending Epaphras to his home congregation in Colosse (Col. 4:12), Paul wanted the brethren to know how much Epaphras loved them, thought of them and labored for them. The Greek word for “laboring fervently” is agonizomai. Do you see the word “agonize” in that? It was an athletic term that carried the idea of wrestling. Now, go back to the verse. Ephphras wrestled fervently for his brethren…”in his prayers.” Wow! What a thought! Do you labor fervently? For your fellow brethren? In your prayers? Think about the import of that!