Things For Which We Ought To Be Thankful

Donnie Oliver

riting to the Christians at Colosse, Paul penned:  "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful"  (Col. 3:15).  Let's consider some things for which we ought to be thankful.

The Tender Mercies Of God

            The word mercy can be found 276 times in the sacred volume, the Bible.  The Psalmist declared:  "O, give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good:  for his mercy endureth for ever" (Ps. 118:29).  The mercy of God toward man can clearly be seen and understood.  You may recall that we are created in the image of God (Gn. 1:27) and that upon completion of creation, God viewed everything he had made and it was very good (. 33).  One cannot read the Bible and not see that God loves us (1 Jo. 4:9-14).  God's tender mercies and love was demonstrated by Jesus coming into the world (Lk. 1:78; Lo. 3:16; Ro. 5:8).  Jesus came to save people from their sins (Mt. 1:21; Jo. 1:29; 1 Ti. 1:15).  This was done because God does not want any to perish (2 Pt. 3:9).

The Physical Blessings Of God

            God has blessed us!  The Bible says that God sends rain and sunshine both on the just and unjust (Mt. 5:45).  Paul wrote Timothy the following:  "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Ti. 6:17).  God wants us to enjoy what he has given to us.  Read Matthew 6:25-34 and see that God has blessed us.  David penned:  "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I  not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (Ps. 37:25).

The Spiritual Blessings Of God

            Not only are there physical blessings, there are blessings that are of a spiritual nature.  God has blessed us in providing a way for man to be saved.  The blessing of salvation is in Christ (2 Ti. 2:10).  What a blessing we have to be able to talk to God in prayer!  Paul told the church of Christ at Philippi, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Phil. 4:6).  Prayers is a blessing that is not extended to the alien sinner (Is. 59:1,2).  In order for one to pray to God, they must be a doer of God's will (Jo. 9:31).  Also, we have the spiritual blessing of fellowship with God, Christ, and those of like precious faith (1 Jo. 1:6,7). 

            Paul said all spiritual blessings are in Christ  (Eph. 1:3).  If you are outside of Christ, you do not have the spiritual blessings discussed in God's Holy Word.

The Church

            Have you considered how great a blessing the church is and the privilege we have to be a member of it?  Are you thankful for the church?  Your attitude toward the church can be seen by your attendance at services and your participation in the work.  The church was prophesied of (Is. 2:2,2; Da. 2:44).  Jesus said he would build his church (Mt. 16:18).  The establishment of the church became a reality of the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus (Ac. 2:47).  The church came with a price (Ac. 20:28; Eph. 5:25).  We ought to be thankful for the church and rejoice that we can be a part of it!

The Return Of Christ

            Jesus declared that he came forth from the Father (Jo. 16:28).  In the same passage he stated he was going to return to the Father.  In fact, there are numerous verses that declare Jesus' return to the Father (Lk. 23:46; Jo. 20:17; Ac. 1:9).  Although Jesus left, the Bible says he is coming again (Mk. 14:62; Jo. 14:1-6; Ac. 1:10,11; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; Rev. 1:7).  Are we thankful that Jesus is coming again?  Jesus said:  "Watch therefore:  for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come" (Mt. 24:42). 

"...be ye thankful" (Col. 3:15).