Cultivating Gratitude- Part 5

 As we continue our study of gratitude through the book of Colossians, we come to a verse not often talked about when we think of the topic of "giving thanks." In Colossians 3:16 we find that a thankful heart can enhance the edification of other believers in our corporate worship. Let me explain. 

Colossians 3:16 states "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." 

Verse 16 describes a ministry of teaching and admonishing through music. We are to edify one another as we corporately worship together. Understand, that in Paul's day, the people did not have their own copies of the Scriptures. So, their public worship included preaching and the singing of biblically rich music to drive home God's truth. People taught and edified one another by singing together. The music of the past was focused on biblical accuracy in order to teach doctrine- truths about God, Christ, our salvation, etc. 

Now, where do we find "thanksgiving?" Notice the phrase singing with grace... What is grace? The word has several ideas. Unmerited favor; enablement for service and daily living; acts of benevolence; that which affords joy, delight; but the word also includes gratitude, thanks. Kenneth Wuest writes, "the word 'grace,' χάρις, also means 'thanksgiving,' which element should be included in our singing." 

As we sing with thanksgiving in our hearts for God's goodness and attributes, we can teach, admonish, and edify those around us. Notice the phrase in your hearts to the Lord. Thankful hearts sing with power, vigor, and "life." Things that can certainly encourage others. Refocus one's attention! Lift the mood from discouragement to hope. This is singing with commitment to the Lord and with understanding of God's grace. So, we are to sing heartedly with purpose, with thankful hearts in order to teach and edify one another! 

Since this blog's title is "Exhortations," let me exhort you to sing with these things in mind! Sing with gratefulness. It can be infectious and edifying to others!!