Today’s Scripture: Colossians 3:14-15
14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Today’s Devotional
Today’s verses end with “And always be thankful.” We are just days away from Thanksgiving, one of our country’s biggest family celebrations. Usually at this time of year we are paying particular attention to the weather and travel forecasts as so many people travel home to be with family fo celebrate. This year, like it has been for so many other things, will be different. Because of COVID-19, we are being encouraged by health experts to stay home and celebrate with only our immediate family. Not all will heed that message (as you may have already seen on the news), but many will. And the question that arises as we gather around our tables this particular year is “How do I give thanks in the midst of all that has happened and is still happening?”
The verses above speak of love and peace prior to speaking about being thankful. And that is where I think we find the answer in how to be thankful this year (and always). We are not just thankful for the good things we experience in life; we are thankful because we do not experience life, the good and the bad, alone. Paul reminds the Colossians and us that we are bound together by Christ in love and in peace. Christ is with us. The Holy Spirit is with us. God’s family, our brothers and sisters at Westwood, are with us. We are new creations with a new perspective on living.
We (I) can be thankful at all times because of this new perspective. Life is not just about us (me) or even primarily about us (me). It is about what God is doing in, through, and around us (me), the things that draw us (me) closer to God and to each other. In that space, filled with love and peace, we (I) can give thanks at all times.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, may we be thankful at all times because you have changed our perspective and opened our eyes through your love and peace. Amen.
Pastor Stephen
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