To Encourage You

Colossians 2:7 “. . . abounding with thanksgiving.”

At any time of crisis, it is a good time for believers to consider the attitude to which  God has called us. In Colossians 2, Paul encourages the Colossian believers (and us) that just as they had received Christ Jesus as Lord, they were to continue to “walk in Him.”  As Paul wrote his letter from a Roman prison, he tells us that one aspect of this “walk,” i.e., manner of living, is that we are to live a life motivated by gratitude for what God had done for us. 

So, for what were the Colossians – and we – to be thankful?  Well for one, the forgiveness of sin and eternal life.  What an awesome thing that God has not treated us as our sins deserved (Psalm 103:10). Rather, He has showered us with His grace, and He has cast our sins into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19) and moved them from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).  What an incredible truth that those who have put their faith in Christ shall live forever, come what may, be it personal, national, or any other kind of calamity.  What a wonderful thing that God has showered His mercy upon us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).  He has been patient with us, so incredibly patient.  He has met our needs, and He has promised that He “will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).  He has given us families, friends, and wonderful experiences. He has given us physical and spiritual eyes to see the beauty of His Creation and the wonders of “His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). 

Thankfulness, gratitude: these are the things we should continually reflect..  It’s just one of the ways that we can train our minds to obey the wonderful command from our sovereign Lord Who reigns over all to think on “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, (and) if there is anything worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8). It is these things that God has called us to think on, even at times when we might be tempted to dwell on anything but.