"…and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

 

As children of God we are the called and elect, the holy and beloved of God.  We are called from different pasts and different cultures; we are all called out of sin.  We are called to oneness in Christ.  We are called to a new attitude within the church, an attitude of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness.  Above all else, we are called to love so that the peace of Christ will rule in our hearts and in the church. (Colossians 3:12-15)

 

And we are called to be thankful – be coming to be thankful.

 

Be coming to be something we naturally are not.  Naturally we are forgetters of past grace and complainers of present circumstances.

 

Be constantly coming to be thankful.  Every day in every way mindful of the rich mercies of God in our lives.

 

Be coming to be thankful, mindful of God's grace and correspondingly gracious to others.

 

But how?  How can we change?  The Apostle tells us:

 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:16-17)

 

Filled with the word of Christ, immersed in the fellowship of the faith within the church, we are enveloped in the recognition of God's grace and live in word and deed in Jesus' name.  All while giving thanks to God through Jesus.  How could we not?

 

Happy Thanksgiving.  Every day.

The weeks from Thanksgiving to Christmas are oft purported to be the most joyous of the year.  But for many who find their families at odds with themselves, the holidays magnify the anxiety and anger that has been largely suppressed in preceding days.  As Christians we are now, as at all times of the year, taught by the Apostle Paul:

 

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18)

 

But what if it is not possible?  What if you have reached out, sought and given forgiveness only to be rejected, scorned and vilified?  What then?

 

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:19-21)

 

First, do not take matters into your own hands.  The temptation is to do something to or say something about the other person to make you appear right and them appear wrong.  Do not avenge yourself.  Instead, focus your energies on words and deeds that will glorify Christ and benefit others.

 

Second, give God space to work.  Wrath and vengeance are God's business.  If someone has it coming (including you), God will give it to them in due time to His glory.  So get out of God's way.

 

Third, if you learn your enemy has a need, fill it.  Remember that Jesus died to benefit the very ones who crucified Him – you and me.  The love of Christ is expressed most clearly through us when we act compassionately toward those who do not deserve it.

 

Fourth, do not let the evil another thinks or does overcome you.  Don't become paralyzed by fear and bitterness.  Rather overcome evil with good, pouring yourself into the glad and joyful service of Christ and others.

 

If this holiday season you find yourself helplessly estranged from family and/or friend, do not spend your days in useless despair.  Give the person and the problem to God.  Give yourself to acts of kindness and charity that will glorify God.  For everyone one person that is a problem in your life, there are scores more to whom you can be a blessing this Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Be that blessing and watch as God blesses you.