January 25th, 2021

Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.  And be thankful.”

The Big Picture

Paul’s second imperative in this passage is one of the most convicting commands found in this letter, yet it offers good news for the found in at least two ways. First, we need to understand that unthankfulness is not an individual problem. Rather, it is a deeply rooted heart issue that all fallen people suffer from (Rom. 1:21). Christians are not immune; you and I are not alone. So, be encouraged—When struggling with unthankfulness, we have brothers and sisters in Christ ready to help share our burden.

Second, we need to identify (as Paul does) that the only remedy for unthankfulness is the gospel (2:6-7). Circumstances change, but we have received Christ; we are rooted and built up in Him. Our sins are forgiven. We are reconciled with the Father and adopted as His children. These truths are indeed hope for the found and a sure foundation for being thankful.

How To Pray

• Thank God for his supernatural peace, among our church family. Pray that God will give us grace to remain faithful and that we would live lives of thankfulness for our church community.

• We live in a dark and divisive world, where competition and vitriol are often the rule on social media, traditional media, and in political discourse. Pray that the thankfulness expressed in today’s post would be experienced and practiced by our church and by Christians in our society. Pray that as we refrain from grumbling and disputing, that we will shine as lights in a dark world, holding forth the Word of life (Philippians 2:14-16).