A Reflection on Colossians 3:15-17
As November unfolds, Thanksgiving draws near. It’s a time for family gatherings, feasts, and reflection. But it’s also a season to think deeply about what it means to be thankful. In the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holidays, it’s easy to lose sight of the fundamental purpose of Thanksgiving. This message is a reminder to pause and reflect on the biblical call to thankfulness, both personally and in our relationships with others, using the timeless wisdom of God’s Word.
Are You a Thankful Person?
To start, let me ask you a question: Would you describe yourself as a thankful person? When you think of someone who is truly thankful, what comes to mind? Is it a positive, cheerful attitude that radiates gratitude in both words and actions? Or do you find yourself struggling with negativity and discontentment?
I’ll be honest—I don’t always describe myself as a thankful person. I tend to default to the opposite of thankfulness: sadness, frustration, and discontent. Can you relate to the more negative side of thanksgiving? Let’s not focus on that at the moment. Instead, let’s look at what Scripture says about thankfulness and how we can cultivate it in our lives. Today, I’d like to focus on Colossians 3:15-17. These three verses give us a powerful reminder of the role thankfulness plays in the life of a believer.
Colossians 3:15-17: A Call to Thankfulness
Let’s look at the Scripture together:
“15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (ESV)
Did you notice the repetition of the word “thanks”? In just three verses, there are three distinct ways thankfulness is expressed:
- Be thankful
- With thankfulness in your hearts
- Giving thanks to God the Father
What is God trying to tell us by repeating this call to gratitude? Let’s take a closer look.
A Journey from Putting Off to Putting On
In the verses leading up to this passage, Paul talks about the things believers should “put off”—selfishness, sin, and bondage—and the things we should “put on” as part of our new identity in Christ. In verse 14, he writes, “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” This is the foundation for what comes next. Out of this new life in Christ, flowing from love, we are called to be thankful.
Thankfulness is not just a polite gesture; it is the natural response to what we’ve been given in Christ. When we understand the peace of Christ, the word of Christ, and the freedom we have through Christ, thankfulness becomes the overflow of our hearts.
Breaking Down Colossians 3:15-17
Verse 15: Peace of Christ
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
We have peace. This peace isn’t something we need to search for—it’s already ours, through Jesus. In Romans 5:1, Paul reminds us, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The question for us is: What rules your heart? Is it the peace of Christ, or is something else taking precedence? If peace is ruling, then thankfulness will naturally follow. We are called to “be thankful” because we are at peace with God.
Verse 16: Word of Christ
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
We not only have peace but also the word of Christ dwelling within us. Jesus, the living Word, offers us eternal life and truth. In John 6:68, Peter responds to Jesus, saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” The Word of God has the power to transform us, and when it dwells richly within us, our hearts overflow with thankfulness.
What do you dwell on? Is it God’s Word, or is it something else? If we let the Word of Christ shape our thoughts, our lives, and our attitudes, thankfulness will follow. The more we immerse ourselves in the richness of God’s truth, the more our hearts will naturally be filled with gratitude.
Verse 17: Life in Christ
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Finally, we have life and freedom in Christ. Everything we do—whether in word or deed—should be done in the name of Jesus. This life of freedom is a life of thanksgiving. As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
We are called to live a lifestyle of thanksgiving—not just in the easy times but in every circumstance. What a powerful message! We can give thanks in everything, because our lives are rooted in the freedom Christ has given us.
Growing in Thankfulness
So, how can we grow in thankfulness together? The answer lies in understanding and applying the truths Paul shares in Colossians 3:
- Let peace rule your heart
- Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly
- Live in the freedom and life we have in Christ
Thankfulness flows naturally from these realities. It is not something we have to force; it is the natural response when we are at peace with God, when His Word is rich within us, and when we live in the freedom He has provided.
What Do You Need to Put Off?
Earlier, we talked about “putting off” certain things—sin, selfishness, and anything that hinders our relationship with God. Perhaps there are things in your life that need to be put off so that thankfulness can take root. Is there unforgiveness, bitterness, or anxiety that you need to surrender to God? Repent, and allow His peace to reign in your heart.
Living Out Thankfulness in Community
In verse 16, Paul also speaks about teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom. This is a vital part of the Christian community—we are called to help one another grow in wisdom and thankfulness. As we live out these truths together in our groups, churches, families and communities, we can encourage one another to be more thankful and to live lives of thanksgiving. Here at the Forge, this is our passion, to help men see themselves as everyday wise counselors. This scripture is a great resource to lean into for a deeper and more joyful understanding of our calling to care for one another in the Body of Christ.
Conclusion: A Lifestyle of Thanksgiving
As we prepare for Thanksgiving this year, I challenge you to reflect on how you can “be thankful with thankfulness, giving thanks” in your daily life. Consider these questions:
- What are you most thankful for this past year?
- How can you practice thankfulness this week?
- How can you express thanks to God and to others?
In everything we do, may our hearts overflow with gratitude. As we live out the truths of Colossians 3:15-17, let us be people who are defined by thankfulness—thankful for the peace, the Word, and the life we have in Christ. And may we share that thankfulness with those around us, to the glory of God.
“Thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Let us live with hearts full of thanks, all to the glory of Christ.
Together in Christ,
Chad Sebby