Be Thankfulনমুনা

Thankfulness: Guarding Against Great Sins Pt. 2

A truly thankful heart doesn’t just affect how we feel—it transforms how we live. In Colossians, thankfulness and peace go hand in hand. Paul writes about letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, and this is immediately followed by a command to be thankful. The connection isn’t coincidental. Thankful hearts are peaceful hearts. When we embrace gratitude, we find contentment, and contentment leads to peace.

James sheds light on the conflicts and unrest that may characterize our lives. He explains that they stem from desires we fight for—things we believe we deserve but have not received. Our striving creates conflict with others and within ourselves. It’s the opposite of a peaceful heart. People who are genuinely thankful, however, don’t see life through the lens of entitlement. They recognize that every good thing is a gift, undeserved and graciously given. This perspective brings contentment. When you know you don’t deserve more, you become grateful for what you have. And if what you have is already better than you deserve, then there’s no room for discontent.

Gratitude opens our eyes to the depth of God’s love and His sovereignty over every detail of our lives. The thankful heart sees beyond the immediate situation. Even in difficult circumstances, we trust that God is training us and preparing us for eternity. We may not be thankful for the hardship itself—this world is filled with pain and brokenness—but we remain thankful to a good God who is with us through it all.

This perspective is why Paul, writing from a prison cell, could fill his letter to the Philippians with joy. His thanksgiving wasn’t based on his situation; it was rooted in the unchanging reality of God’s presence and love. In contrast, a lack of gratitude speaks as though God were absent—doubting His sovereignty, His goodness, and His care.

It’s telling that in Ephesians, the instruction against certain kinds of speech is paired with thanksgiving. At first, it might seem surprising—shouldn’t the opposite of crude talk be purity? But thanksgiving is a sign of a pure heart, one that has been forgiven and knows the joy of living in the light of God’s grace.

Are you living with a peaceful, enlightened heart, or do you find yourself battling discontent? Embrace the truth that God is with you, that He loves you, and that every moment is part of His perfect plan. Let gratitude guide you back to the peace that only He can provide.