Thanksgiving is an understated virtue of the Christian life. And for many of us, it probably isn’t seated next to the biblical giants like love, grace, forgiveness, or humility. But the theme of thanksgiving, albeit underemphasized in our evangelical vernacular, fills the New Testament with over fifty references. One such mention is in Colossians 3:17,
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (ESV).
Paul calls his audience to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. He could have ended there—full stop. But as he often does, the Apostle provides some clarity and definition by including a qualifying phrase, “giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Thanksgiving is the natural response of the Christian life that should inform everything we do and speak.
I don’t think it is an overstatement to say that thankfulness is the default response of the Christian life for what God has done for us in the person and work of Jesus Christ (the gospel). For example, earlier in Colossians Paul says, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (Col 2:6-7 ESV). Notice that “abounding in thanksgiving” is a response to “receiving” the Lord. The more we understand the gift of the gospel, the more we will respond in gratitude.
As you gather around Thanksgiving tables this week, may it be a time to express gratefulness for what Jesus has accomplished for you by his atoning death and life-giving, promise-rich resurrection.
About the Author
Tucker Anderson
Tucker Anderson served at Calvary Church 2015 to 2023. He is a graduate of Bethel Seminary and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His passion is helping people develop a biblical worldview by understanding the relationship between the Old Testament and New Testament.