Thanksgiving in Colossae

Colossians chapter three opens with the statement “if then you have been raised with Christ”. With this phrase Paul sets up the change that occurs in our lives when we become Christians. Christianity results in putting to death “earthly” desires like sexual immorality and idolatry (Col. 3:5-9) and putting on compassion, kindness, and thankfulness (3:9-17).

The attitude of thankfulness is mentioned three times throughout this section, and with Thanksgiving around the corner it’s as good a time as any to discuss how thankfulness should permeate our lives.

First, after listing all that we have put on as new creations in Christ, Paul reminds us that we have been “called in one body” and for that we should “be thankful” (3:15). Christians are thankful because they become part of a family of fellow believers.

Second, Paul shows us the expression of our thankfulness: singing (3:16). Various types of songs are listed: psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, but with each genre we are to have “thankfulness” in our hearts to God. Christians express their thankfulness through their worship to God.

Lastly, we are told that no matter what we find ourselves doing as this new creation of God, we are to give thanks to God the Father through Jesus (3:17).

Christians be thankful! Be thankful for your spiritual family, give thanks to God for what He gives us the ability to do, and worship Him with thankfulness in your heart.