Be Thankful

Failing to thank God is one of the symptoms of sin and rebellion (Romans 1:21). It follows, therefore, that part of repenting of sin and turning to God is being thankful to God. Colossians (in the Bible) has a thankfulness thread that runs through the letter.

be thankful

Paul is thankful to the Father that the Christians in Colossae have their faith in Jesus (Colossians 1:3). He then encourages them, as those who’ve been forgiven by God, to likewise give thanks to the Father (Col 1:12). Presumably, part of their conversion to Jesus was shown in thankfulness, hence Paul urges them to continue to be overflowing with thankfulness (Col 2:7).

In chapter 3 they are then urged to “be thankful” in response to the peace that Jesus brings (verse 15). In the next sentence they are to teach and sing with thankfulness to God (verse 16). And then finally, the section closes with a verse that suggests that thankfulness is to be an all-consuming characteristic of the Christian life: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (verse 17)

Be thankful.

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