“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting…” 2 Thessalonians 1:3
The apostle Paul in his writings to the various churches constantly reminded them of how much he gave God thanks for them. His genuine care for them, and encouragement to them, made a great difference in the way they committed themselves to the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and living exemplary lives.
In his letter to the Ephesians Paul writes, “… I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” – Ephesians 1:16 (AMP), and to the Philippians, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine …” – Phil. 1:3-4 (NKJV). As a result of this genuine demonstration of love, many deeds of kindness were done among the believers in the early church and all were well taken care of and lacked nothing. As a consequence, many souls were added to the Church.
Consider for a moment someone giving God thanks for you. It must be that they value you and what you do so much that God gets the glory and the praise, and people are motivated to do more good works. God brings people into our lives so that the quality of our lives and theirs may be made better.
Saying ‘thanks’ or ‘thank you’ to someone is a way of expressing gratitude and paves the way for better relationships. Often we fail to show appreciation through a simple ‘thank you’ to others for things we consider trivial but which could mean a lot to them. ‘Thanks’ that comes from the heart is known and always well received. We must never, therefore, fail to show our gratitude by giving thanks, first to God, and then to others, who help us even when they are paid to do so. I recall having an older relative assisting me to care for my sick mother at home. I will be forever grateful for her sacrifice which brought us closer together, more than we were ever before.
Prayer
Father, we thank You that our lives are made richer by the people You send along our way. You know just what we need and You supply all those needs in the people You put around us. Help us to not fail to recognise this and to always give thanks. We pray also that we ourselves may be conduits through which Your love and blessings flow to others. May we cultivate a heart that responds readily to the breathing of Your will. Amen.
Read: Colossians 1:3-5; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4
Bible Reading Guide: Psalms 130; James 5; Ezekiel 40
