addressing one another [in] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. Ephesians 5:19-20 NABRE
Paul is exhorting the community at Ephesus to not act foolishly as society around them can sometimes act, specifically telling the people to not get drunk, losing control of their speech and actions. Paul criticizes drunkenness on the basis that it leads to debauchery, the ruin that comes from excess or throwing off restraint, the opposite of wise conduct. Paul tells the reader to be filled with the Spirit, first by addressing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Much joy and happiness can be shared with others; think of Christmas songs, how happy we can be to hear carolers. Psalms and spiritual songs can do the same thing, joyfully proclaiming happy thoughts and uplifting messages. Paul continues telling the reader to sing and play to the Lord in our hearts, being uplifted, grateful and ready to burst into song. Joy filled hearts for the Lord fills us with joy, keeping drudgery and struggles at bay. Paul often speaks of being thankful for everything. Being grateful for whatever we receive makes us signs of hope. If the sun shines be thankful, if it rains be thankful, if you find yourself with extra be thankful, if you come up short be thankful. A thankful person can never be down, with more or less, being thankful brings glee and makes all we have or receive enough. Paul tells us in all these things we should thank God in union with Jesus Christ, aware that our relationship with the Father is in and through His beloved Son.
Approaching life with an attitude of gratitude makes all things beautiful in our eyes.
Are you always ready to burst into song? Are you grateful for everything?
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