A Grateful Sense Of God’s Goodness To Others

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

Paul’s customary greeting in his letters included gratitude for God’s goodness. And the Thessalonians provided plenty of reasons for thanksgiving.

For instance, they “became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia” (1 Thessalonians 1:7). Their reputation sparked the spread of the gospel and Paul’s gratitude to God. Matthew Henry has this to say about Paul’s thankfulness.

WALK WITH MATTHEW HENRY
“Since the apostle is about to mention the things that were a matter of joy to him and highly praiseworthy in them, he chooses to do this by way of thanksgiving to God who is the Author of all good that comes to us, or is done by us, at any time.

“God is the object of all worship by prayer and praise. And thanksgiving to God is a great duty, to be performed constantly. Even when we do not actually give thanks to God by our words, we should have a grateful sense of God’s goodness on our minds.

“Thanksgiving should be repeated often; and not only should we be thankful for the favors we receive ourselves, but also for the benefits bestowed on others.”

WALK CLOSER TO GOD
“Things God Has Done in My Life.” Chances are good you could construct a long list in a short time on that subject. But could you make a list entitled “Things God Has Done in the Lives of My Brothers and Sisters in Christ”?

You could—if you have been mentioning them in your prayers, if their problems were your cause for intercession, if their joys were your cause for celebration.

Where your time and energy are invested, “there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34).

Getting involved in the lives of others is something they—and you—will both be thankful for!