We Walk in a Spirit of Gratitude
Thanksgiving is a season that draws our attention to gratitude, food, family, and reflection. Whether we come together around a large table filled with loved ones, a smaller gathering of just a few, or even spend the day in solitude – whether the atmosphere is filled with laughter and love or marked by tension and challenges – it’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on a deeper, more meaningful kind of thankfulness – a thankfulness rooted in faith. Colossians 3:17 (NIV) says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This verse challenges us to move beyond simply saying “thank you” to God. Instead, it invites us to embody a spirit of gratitude in everything we do. Let’s explore how we can live out this calling during the Thanksgiving season and beyond.
Going back to the beginning of Colossians 3, the passage starts with “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your heart on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:1-2, NIV). This directive to focus on the eternal, rather than the temporary, invites us to look beyond the fleeting concerns of this world and fix our gaze on the eternal promises and the unshakeable foundation we have in Christ. When we do this, our perspective shifts – what once seemed important in the here and now fades into the background, and the blessings we’ve received through Christ come into sharper focus. It’s very easy to let the things of this world cloud our vision – finances, relationships, work, comfort, our health, and other circumstantial aspects of life. It’s very easy to let these things be our hope, our joy, and our false sense of peace. But all of these things have the ability to fracture, fall apart, and fail us. When these are our sources of fulfillment, and our gratitude is based upon how well our lives are going by our own standards, then our lives will look no different than those who don’t know Christ. A deep gratitude for what God has done for us, and how nothing can shake that, is what sets us apart from the rest of the world. This profound sense of gratitude leads to lasting peace and joy that will shine the light of Christ so bright, unbelievers can’t help but see something different in us.
To truly be grateful for something, we first have to experience its fullness, don’t we? Take, for instance, the Thanksgiving meal before me. I can admire the food on the counter, its rising steam and its fragrance filling the air like a promise of joy. But I cannot fully appreciate it until I’ve tasted it myself. It’s only when my belly is full, and I’m satisfied by the rich flavors, that gratitude takes root. The same is true with Christ. As Psalm 34:8 (NIV) invites us, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” We must continually live in the goodness of God for gratitude to take hold, shaping our hearts and flowing out of us. True gratitude comes not only from acknowledging the gospel as truth but from experiencing it daily, allowing its richness to transform us from within.
Let’s look at a few practical ways gratitude can show up in our lives, doing everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
First, gratitude can show up in how we speak. Our words have power. They can build others up or tear them down, offer encouragement or sow division. As we gather, let’s strive to let gratitude shape our conversations. Whether at the Thanksgiving table or in everyday moments, practice affirming and encouraging those around you. This includes the way we speak behind peoples’ backs and on our social media, too. Do we speak or post in ways that are divisive, grumbly, or gossipy? Does that exemplify the life-changing love of Christ? Luke 6:45 (NIV) says, “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” When our hearts are full of gratitude, our words will hold encouragement, love, and truth.
Gratitude can also show up in our actions. Approaching everything with a servant’s heart – a heart that asks, “How can I put others first today?” – is a tangible way our gratitude for Christ can shine through us. We live in a world that is dominated by self-care, serving our own needs above all else and searching for personal happiness as top priority. The character of God and the life of Jesus are the complete opposite of this. Mark 10:45 (NIV) says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus washed feet, healed the sick, cared for the marginalized, fed the hungry, and ultimately laid down His life for us. When we are genuinely thankful for all that God has done for us, our lives will reflect the humility of one who is willing to wash others’ feet. In every act of love, service, and humility, our actions become a living testament to the gratitude we feel for God’s boundless love and grace.
Finally, gratitude shows up in the way we invite others in. Gratitude for God’s love calls us to embrace inclusivity and unity as His love extends to all people regardless of background or circumstance. When we truly recognize the depth of God’s grace and mercy in our lives, we are compelled to reflect that same love toward others. This means breaking down barriers, extending compassion to those who are different from us, and fostering unity within the body of Christ. As we live out our gratitude, we reflect God’s heart, inviting everyone to experience the transformative power of His love and the peace that comes from being united in Him.
Colossians 3:17 (NIV) reminds us that “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” This verse beautifully ties gratitude to every aspect of our lives, urging us to reflect God’s love and goodness in all that we say and do. When our hearts are filled with genuine thankfulness for what God has done for us, it transforms our words and actions, shaping them to be kind, compassionate, and filled with grace. Gratitude not only guides how we serve others but also fosters unity within the body of Christ, as we are called to love one another and live in peace. In everything, our gratitude for God’s love becomes the driving force that unites us and shapes us into His image, allowing us to be a witness to His glory in the world.