Text: Colossian 3:120-19

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers. I praise the Lord for my mother and the lessons she taught, or tried to teach me and my siblings. I understand that not everyone has had a godly mother or even has had a relationship with their mother. God is bigger and gives strength and forgiveness. His mercies endure forever as we are told over and over again in scripture. One of the biggest lessons I still struggle with is the attitude of gratitude.

This goes against our flesh and our original nature. Our hearts are wicked and deceitful, Jer 17:9. Paul tells us that there is nothing good in us apart from the working of Christ, Rom 7:18. James reminds us that each of us struggle with selfishness and it causes wars and friction, 4:1.

Now, in Colossians we are reminded of the importance of being grateful. Nt just giving thanks, but truly grateful. Thanks giving is being thankful which is good. However, gratitude is thanksgiving with intent or action. Gratitude takes thanks to the next level. Gratitude would always be paid but never expected.

Paul writes to the church, Christinas that were struggling in this area. Paul reminds us all that we are to have the attitude of Christ. Think about how often Christ was grateful. Even on the cross, Christ prayed for the Father to forgive mankind for they knew not what they did. Christ was grateful for food, provisions, the Father giving Truth, the church, etc. We have a wonderful example to follow and praise His name, we receive the nature of Christ that overcomes our nature. We have victory over the flesh through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Practice having gratitude this week. It is not natural but may come easier to some than two others. Practice having the attitude and nature of Christ. Paul goes on to tell wives to submit to their husbands and then husbands to love their wives and not be bitter against them. Naturally, wives will want to control their husbands, not respect them, and refuse to be subservient to their husbands. By nature, husbands will become bitter against their wives and hold back love. May we al be grateful no matter what.