And Be Thankful (Colossians 3:15b)

Scripture is full of references to thankfulness. One thing unbelievers have in common is that they are not thankful, or not to the One we owe all good things.

Romans 1 says that
"They knew God but
Did not honor Him as God
Or give thanks";
In consequence,
"They became futile in their thinking,
And their foolish hearts were darkened."

The consequences of ingratitude are not to be dismissed as trifles.

But for those who know God by His saving grace,
Thankfulness should be as regular as breathing.

"Give thanks to the LORD,
For He is good,
His lovingkindness is everlasting,
His mercy is new every morning."
His steadfastness keeps us
Through the darkest nights and
Hardest days;
He alone is worthy of our praise.

He is unchanging, and
The same can be said for
His Word--
Incarnate and
Written.

Thanks was given by the Lord
At the Last Supper, and for Him
At His presentation in the Temple.

And we also give thanks for one another,
As Paul wrote in
Ephesians 1:
"I do not cease to give thanks for you,
Remembering you in my prayers,"
And 1 Thessalonians 1:
"We give thanks to God always
For all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,"
And 2 Thessalonians 1:
"We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers,
As is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and
The love of every one of you for one another is increasing."

Commanded in
1 Thessalonians 5: "Give thanks in all circumstances;
For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflecting the actions in heaven seen in Revelation,
Where all worship the Lord without ceasing,
Giving Him glory and honor and thanks,
Anticipating the Day we will join them.