The book of Colossians has been labeled the “most thankful” book of the Bible. In its four short chapters, 7 of the 95 verses reference thanks, thankfulness, and thanksgiving. This book focuses on the supremacy of Christ and his sufficiency for all our needs. That theme is unpacked as we explore the completed work of salvation through Christ and our new life in Christ.

The last sentence of Colossians 3:15 is succinct but important: “And be thankful.”

This simple statement has complex depth. “Be” is a verb that connects “thankful” to the subject of the sentence—YOU. Thankful is who we are as new creations in Christ! The sentence is not an afterthought, tagged onto a list of encouragements for right living. It’s a highlighted virtue among all the rest. There are no qualifiers, no conditions, only an intentional exhortation from the pastoral heart of Paul, and from our loving heavenly Father’s heart to us.

Dear sisters, this little verse can feel more like a heavy-handed command than a gentle encouragement at times, particularly when we don’t feel thankful. As we approach the holiday season focused on giving thanks, sometimes our list of blessings can feel contrived or forced. When the routines of ordinary life or burdens of extraordinary challenges create ruts on the road, it’s easy to keep our heads down and focused on what’s right in front of us. This can happen so much that it becomes our permanent posture, and we stop looking out to see all that surrounds us on the way. Worse yet, we stop looking up and seeing the all-sufficiency of Christ, the one who fills our path with blessings at every turn. If this describes you, dear sister, pause to reflect on Christ’s work in, through, and around you.

“Our goal is that you please him by bearing fruit in every kind of good work and by growing in the knowledge of God, as you are being strengthened with all power because of his glorious might working in you. Then you will have complete endurance and patience, joyfully giving thanks to the Father” (Colossians 1:10b-12a EHV).

We have endurance and patience, and we can joyfully give thanks because we are being strengthened through his work in us. This happens as we grow in our knowledge of God through his Word. This growth in him empowers us to bear good fruit, and this pleases him. Now that is cause for thanksgiving!

“And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15b). May this little phrase become deeply rooted in our hearts and produce the fruit of gratitude in our lives, not just this month, but all year through.