Received with thanksgiving.

1 Timothy 4:1-5, Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

We can rejoice in the wonderful freedom that we have in Christ, for it is by grace we are saved through faith, by the power of His great sacrifice for us. He makes it clear that nothing we can do makes us any better in His eyes, and that His commands are not burdensome as He calls to us “Come unto me.” He gives us wonders of His creation, and even in its flawed condition He is the sustainer of it all. And He invites us to receive those good things with thanksgiving, and to sanctify it by the word of God and prayer!

We give You thanks for the amazing creation and for all that was subjected to futility, but in hope, and will one day be redeemed, set free from its bondage for the children of God!

ESV Lectionary