I noted on day one of this series on Thanksgiving that Paul's letter to the Colossians is a great study on the matter, and that we would return here. Today we look at chapter 3:
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Paul has just discussed relationships with fellow believers, and all the things we need to put off, put to death, and then put on in order to conduct ourselves in an appropriate manner. It's not easy. When He talks here about having peace in our hearts, plural, it is still in the context of our relationship with one another - I am at peace when we are at peace with God and one another. Then, three times he tells us to be thankful, have thankfulness in your hearts, and do everything giving thanks. We need to constantly be reminded to be thankful: using our voices to build each other up, not complain to and about one another; appreciating everything God has given to us, not griping about what we do not have; doing everything in our power to create this atmosphere of thanksgiving that helps each of us grow, and bring God glory. Today, do everything you can to bring about a thankful atmosphere everywhere you go, and see what God can do.
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