Tag Archives: the book of Colossians

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”  (Colossians 3:15, NKJV)

The word we translate as “thanks” is used more than 40 times in the New Testament. (And that does not include variants of that word, such as “thanksgiving,” and “gratitude.”)

We have so much for which to be thankful, yet even the children of God are admonished (as Paul did to the Christians in Colosse) to be thankful.  I wonder whether it is because — like it or not — it seems to be our nature to focus on the few things we lack, instead of the many things we have.

As a nation, a day in November is set aside for giving thanks.  As the children of the living God, we are invited to make every day “Thanksgiving Day.”  Is there a dearth of evidence of God’s goodness?  – Luther

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“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  (Colossians 3:12, NIV)

In the tug and pull of daily living, we are apt to forget how God feels about His children; but Paul offers to us this reminder: We are “holy and dearly loved.”

To be holy is to be like our heavenly Father, because He is holy — which is to say, “separate,” or “uncommon.”  Separate, because we follow only our God.  Uncommon, because the world doesn’t see many who live as we live: “[Clothed] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

To accept that we are “dearly loved” is the fire of inspiration; it is the freedom to go beyond ourselves; it is the frame that informs and circumscribes all of our choices.

It is a rare and wonderful state to be holy and dearly loved by God; and that is us.  Today.  Live it!  – Luther

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“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15, NKJV)

The word we translate as “thanks” is used more than 40 times in the New Testament. (And that does not include variants of that word, such as “thanksgiving,” and “gratitude.”)

We have so much for which to be thankful, but we are often without gratitude. I wonder whether it is because we choose to focus on the few things we lack; instead of the many things God has given us, which are already in our possession.

As a nation, one day in November is set-aside for giving thanks. As children of the living God, every day should be “Thanksgiving Day.”  – Luther

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