Colossians 3:16
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.
[From the New International Version]
This verse, Colossians 3:16, encourages believers to let the message of Christ deeply permeate their lives. It begins by urging us to allow Christ’s teachings to “dwell among you richly,” meaning that His message should be a central and abundant part of our community and personal lives. This richness implies that Christ’s words should influence our thoughts, actions, and relationships.
The verse then instructs us to teach and admonish one another with wisdom. This means that as a community, we should use the teachings of Christ to guide, encourage, and correct one another, always doing so with wisdom and care. The use of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in this process highlights the importance of worship and music as powerful tools for teaching and encouraging one another in the faith.
Finally, the verse calls us to sing to God with gratitude in our hearts. This expression of thankfulness in worship reflects a heart transformed by Christ’s message, overflowing with joy and appreciation for God’s goodness. It emphasizes that our worship should be both communal and heartfelt, rooted in a deep sense of gratitude.