Obligated to be Thankful
We are always obligated to thank God for you, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love that each and every one of you has for one another is increasing. (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
“Did you say, ‘Thank You?’” is a question many parents ask their children. If you are a parent, are you teaching your children to be appreciative when they receive a gift? Are you teaching them to be thankful?
When your child receives a gift, did you insist they write a thank you note? As a grandparent, I appreciate it when my grandchildren send me a thank you message.
Being thankful is part of being a Christian. God’s Word tells us “In everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
In today’s verse we are told we are always obligated to thank God. Obligated is a strong word meaning we don’t have much of a choice. We are expected to be thankful to our God.
We can ask ourselves, why are we obligated to be thankful? It’s because of God that we have this life on earth and our faith in Jesus. There is even more we are thankful for. Paul encourages us to be thankful to God for:
- A community who believes in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
- A community where faith can grow, and Christian love can increase.
Share what Jesus has done for you and how your faith has increased. Pray, not only for yourself, but for every believer in this sin fill world. Paul shared this message with the Christians of his day and reminds us today.
For this reason, we are always praying for you, that our God will make you worthy of your calling and use his power to fulfill every good desire and work of your faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and you in him, in keeping with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)
Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, thank you for creating faith in my heart. Jesus is my Savior from sin, death, and the power of the devil. Help me to remember every person you have brought to faith in Jesus. Continue to strengthen their faith and mine through these means. Amen.