“I thank my God every time I remember you (Phil. 1:3, NIV).”
Gratitude is not something that comes easily for me. By nature, I am a cynical and half-glass full kind of girl. I can see this Scripture clearer, as I spend genuine time with the Lord Jesus, our Savior, in prayer. It is then, and only then, that I can spend thoughts being thankful.
I used to engage in a yearly “Thanksgiving Challenge” on Facebook. It has been a while, but it is reaching that time of year – where we begin our realization to be thankful.
In this Scripture, it isn’t simply a call to be thankful. Instead, we are able to observe Paul thanking God for his friends! How willing are we to give praise and glory to God for those He has placed in our lives?
I have at least one good friend who is able to practice Philippians 1:3 well. She can quote it, sure, but authentically live it out. I cannot say I authentically live it out. I forget to be thankful. It is a habit that may start this time of year but needs to continue regardless of the day on the calendar.
Question: How can you authentically give thanks to God for those in your life? Even the hard-to-love folks? (That last part, I am definitely still working on!)
Gracefully Overcoming 