Thankful for People

As we wrap up the week, and the month, we finish out this week's theme of thankfulness by looking at one more area that the Scriptures show we ought to be thankful for: people.

"We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers;" - 1 Thessalonians 1:3

The New Testament example clearly shows the various authors being thankful for a variety of people in their lives, mentioning how they pray for them, thank God for them, and are thankful for their service in the Lord.

We read earlier in the week to be thankful for teachers, and looked at some examples as to how to do that, and I think some of that applies to this as well, namely praying for others, supporting them in various ways, and following godly examples.

But it can be extremely easy to lose track. We get so caught up in our lives that we forget to be thankful for the people God has placed in our lives. We can become very self-focused. Work, hobbies, even some other people distract us from those we ought to be spending time with.

Scripture is clear that we're meant to be with others however. Ephesians 4:11-13 talks about offices within the church and how the church works together. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to encourage one another and not forsake gathering together. One of the requirements for eldership is that he be hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2). We're called to do life together, and we should be thankful for that.

I don't have the time to dig into this very deep tonight, but suffice it to say, people are important. We're image-bearers of God. God has put many people into our lives and we're called to be thankful for them all (1 Timothy 2:1). Maybe I'm taking that verse too literally, but I see the examples of Paul and others thanking God for the people in their lives, and we should follow that example as well.