Be Thankful (12/15)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Colossians 1-4; Philemon 1.

Thankfulness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The following passage helps show how thankfulness should be a normal and consistent trait for the Christian.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:15-17).

What we learn from these three verses is that thankfulness is not an isolated characteristic in a Christian’s life but is intertwined with all that we say and do.

  • We are to enjoy the “peace of Christ.” This is possible when we recognize all of the great blessings He has granted to us and are thankful for them (cf. Philippians 4:6-7).
  • We are to teach and admonish one another as we sing spiritual songs. But as we offer these songs to the Lord, we must do so with thanksgiving.
  • We must do all things by the authority of Christ; but be thankful, knowing that our obedience, though required by God for salvation, does not earn us our salvation (Romans 6:23).

Let us remember all of the things which God has done for us and “in everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Tomorrow’s reading: Ephesians 1-6

[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]


Daily Notes & Observations contains all 365 articles from this series and is available in paperback from Gospel Armory.


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