Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16
“If I am able to look at the world with the eyes of God’s love and discover that God’s vision is not that of a stereotypical landowner or patriarch but rather that of an all-giving and forgiving father who does not measure out his love to his children according to how well they behave, then I quickly see that my only true response can be deep gratitude.”
Henri J.M. Nouwen (1932-1996) in The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming (New York: Image Books, 1994) 105.
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming is another book from the list in 25 Books Every Christian Should Read: A Guide to the Essential Spiritual Classics.
Every follower of Christ would do well to read this book. We find ourselves as the prodigal every time we seek unconditional love. And we learn to peel away the conditions we place on others.
This post brings into view my word for 2023: gratitude. Too often, we have stereotypes of God that cause us to expect things we think we deserve. If we got what we deserved we’d all be toast.
Our only posture toward the all-giving and forgiving Father can be gratitude and generosity comes into view as the best response.
I plan to explore this word, gratitude, and related ideas in the biblical text and throughout church history this year. Buckle up for an amazing adventure.
Today, the Apostle Paul places gratitude in the deepest and most central part of our being, our heart. He wants us to be centered on the idea of gratitude. With gratitude there, good things will flow.
I am grateful for people all over the world who gave to GTP at year-end. It will take a few days for the totals to get sorted, but hear my gratitude to God for all those who took the step of faith to give.
Father in heaven, cause all grace abound to everyone reading this post. Fill our hearts with gratitude in 2023 and by your Spirit make us overflow with generosity. Do this in your mercy I ask in Jesus name. Amen.