(By Pastor Jean)

Colossians 3 verses 15, 16 and 17 all end the same way with an encouragement to be thankful. In Col 4:2 we are told to be persistent and focused in our prayer life with an “attitude of thanksgiving” (AMP). (See also Phil 4:6). 1 Thess 5:18 teaches us, “In every situation (no matter what the circumstances) be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (AMP). We read here that it is God’s will for us to be thankful so that means we should make it a priority to develop an attitude of gratitude. Again, when speaking to the Thessalonians Paul tells them that they are to live a life in a way that shows gratitude to God (1 Thess 4:1). We also read a lot about thanksgiving in the Psalms, for example,” Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name” (Ps 100:4; NKJV). The verse after that tells us why we should be thankful; because God is good, His love endures forever and He is faithful. Not only that but we know from reading the New Testament that God in His love, sent Jesus to die for us and give us eternal life (John 3:16). He saved us by His grace and we didn’t have to do anything to deserve it (Eph 2:8,9). He gives us His peace (John 14:27), His joy (Rom 15:13) and all good gifts (James 1:17) and much more! Have you ever noticed that grateful people are a pleasure to be around? Let’s always be looking for something to be thankful for, in both the ups and downs of life!