Giving Thanks for Others

Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Are you thankful for the people God has placed in your life? Most Christians could spend hours expressing their thankfulness for the godly influences. Oftentimes, however, we neglect to recognize the true blessings of these people. Once again, the apostle Paul provides an excellent example for each of us to emulate. Reading his epistles reveals an honour roll of thankfulness. He expressly thanked God for the believers at Rome (Romans 1:8), Ephesus (Ephesians 1:16), Philippi (Philippians 1:3), Colosse (Colossians 1:3), and Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:2). Paul realized the blessings of his associations with these believers and publickly thanked God for them. We too should be thankful for the godly influences God allows to cross our paths and influence our lives. Yet, the Bible goes a step further by indicating that Paul gave thanks “for all men” (1 Timothy 2:1).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God says give thanks for all men. It should be easy to give thanks for policemen, firemen, doctors, teachers, but what about those who are mean to you? Do you spend time giving thanks for family who love you and friends who care about you?

• (For everyone): When is the last time you thanked God for placing special people in your life? Have you thanked Him for your family, your friends, or your brothers and sisters in Christ?

• Have you thanked the Lord for the people in your life who seem to cause you trouble? Perhaps God uses these people to help you remain humble or stay on track. If so, you ought to thank God for them too.

PRAYER THOUGHTS

• Ask the Lord to help you be thankful for the people in your life.

• Take time to thank God for the people you know.

SONG: Blest Be the Tie That Binds

Pastor Andrew Ray

Devotions on Thanksgiving