Be ThankfulSample

A New Life, A New Gratitude

Today, let’s explore two key aspects of gratitude: its context and its significance. Colossians 3:1-17 provides the backdrop for Paul’s command to be thankful. Gratitude is not merely an attitude but a call to a life transformed by Christ. Gratitude is a supernatural response that flows from salvation—one that’s impossible without the saving work of Jesus in our lives. This isn’t the casual “thankfulness” we often hear from those who don’t know God. It’s a deep, abiding gratitude that comes from experiencing new life in Christ.

Paul outlines nine new realities we experience as believers, all of which shape our understanding of true thankfulness. First, we have a new life—one raised up with Christ. This means we no longer live for ourselves but are spiritually alive in Him. It’s a shift from death to life, from being lost in sin to being made new by His grace. And with this new life comes a new ambition, a new focus on eternal things. We’re called to set our minds on things above, to pursue what truly lasts, rather than being distracted by temporary concerns.

Our transformation gives us a new identity: our lives are hidden with Christ in God. Our old self has died, and we now stand before God clothed in Christ’s righteousness. We have a new hope—an expectation of the day when Christ returns and we are made like Him, sharing in His glory. These new realities call us into a daily practice of putting away sin and living according to our new nature. It’s a process of “mortification”—actively rejecting and resisting sin in our lives, choosing obedience over old patterns.

Being a new creation means adopting a new “attire” of character. We put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We forgive as we’ve been forgiven. We strive to live in a way that reflects Christ’s character and unifies us with others. Paul describes this as living under a new standard, where God guides our decisions and actions. The peace of Christ acts as an umpire, ruling in our hearts and directing us toward what aligns with His will.

And how do we maintain this new life? By letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly. A life steeped in Scripture will overflow with wisdom, shaping how we teach, encourage, and even how we sing.

So, what does this mean for us? True thankfulness springs from recognizing all that Christ has done and is doing in our lives. As we allow it, it shapes our thoughts, actions, relationships, and interactions. Let the Word of Christ guide you and His peace determine your steps.