⁷ rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Being a grateful people in Christ is an example of active participation of the Christian life. As we grow in Christ and stay focused on Him, we will ever appreciate the undeserved nature of God’s grace toward us.  This should humble us and produce gratitude in our lives,

Thanksgiving is a constant theme throughout the Book of Colossians, as well as in Paul’s other epistles.  It is meant to characterize the life of the believer (cf. 1:3, 12;2:7; 3:15,17; 4:2).

Warren Weirsbe writes the following in “Be Complete.”  “Again, Paul mentioned ‘thanksgiving’ (see Colosssians 1:3, 12). A thankful spirit is a mark of Christian maturity. When a brliever is abounding in thanksgiving, he is reaally making progress.”

Our gratitude to the Lord will be evident in our interactions with fellow believers and those in the world.  It will show through acts of kindness and benevolence to others. As a result, it will show in our desire to be more intimate in our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Warren Weirsbe further writes, “By reviewing these pictures of spiritual progress. we can see  the growing Christian can easily defeat the Enemy and not be led astray. If his spiritual roots are deep in Christ. he will not want any other soil. If Christ is his sure foundation. he has no need to move. If he is studying and growing in the Word, he will not be easily enticed by false doctrine. And if his heart is overflowing with thanksgiving, he will not even consider turning from the fullness he has in Christ. A grounded, growing, grateful believer will not be led astray.”