Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
Colossians 3:16 NIV
Gratitude
New Canadians, getting ready to celebrate, were asked to give reasons for gratitude. Mudit and Mansi, recent arrivals from India, said, “We like to demonstrate our thankfulness on special occasions with gifts or gestures. On a daily basis, we express thankfulness through the time and attention we give, the quality of our conversations and our willingness to serve our family and friends. We have not celebrated a Canadian Thanksgiving yet, but would love to. Back home in India, there are many festivals at this time of the year, but none exactly like Canadian Thanksgiving.
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Thanksgiving Day may be a few weeks off, but there is never a bad time to remember to express gratitude. Being thankful must never be reserved for one day a year. Followers of Jesus have so much for which we are grateful – we have come into relationship with the Creator of the universe – our Creator – and recognize that He has provided all we need for life. The Bible tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of lights who does not change like shifting shadows. So, the apostle Paul writes this in Colossians 3:16: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Followers of Jesus are called to constantly express gratitude to God, and one of the ways we can do that is through song. Music has always played a central role in Christian worship – Jesus has, after all, put a new song in our hearts. Take time to express your gratitude to the Lord Jesus – in song.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley