The Book of Colossians is rife with references to thankfulness. After reading it, I have reached the following conclusions:
1. We should be thankful for:
a. Faith, love and hope from the gospel (truth) (Co. 1:3-5)
b. Inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light (Co. 1:12)
c. Redemption (forgiveness of sins) (Co. 1:13)
d. Fullness in Christ who is the head over all power and authority (Co. 2:6; 2:10)
2. We should pray for:
a. Knowledge of his will (Co. 1:9)
b. A life pleasing to God (Co. 1:10)
c. Growth in the knowledge of God (Co. 1:10)
3. Comments:
a. Everything we should be thankful for and everything we should pray for are related to the kingdom of God
b. The prayer Jesus taught us to pray seeks His will (1.a above) and His kingdom
4. Conclusion: Since (not if) God is sovereign (1.d above) and we are [redeemed (1.b above)] heirs of his kingdom (1.b above), as we grow in the knowledge of God (2.c above) we will see ever more clearly that he is indeed causing everything to work together for good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose (Ro. 8:28)—to please (glorify) God (2.b above; Isa. 43:7)—and thankfulness in everything naturally ensues, for this is His will (2.a above; I Thes. 5:18).
5. Note: And yes, we do love God because He first loved us (I John 4:19).
