November is being observed as Thanksgiving Month. Churches would hold Thanksgiving Services from the first Sunday up to the last.
It is surprising to note that the word “Thanks” appears only 73 times, the word “Thank” occurs 35 times, and the word “Thanksgiving” can be found 30 times. This statistics are from the New International Version Bible Concordance. This does not however mean that giving thanks to God is not a significant theme in the Bible.
Paul wrote to churches and to people, and one of his topics is about thanking God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 he wrote, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
In Paul’s letter to Philemon, he wrote to him that he is thankful to God for the life of Philemon. What can we learn from Philemon so that our lives will lead people to thank God? We can read this in Philemon 1:4 to 7.
First, show your love to people, and be steadfast in your faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul wrote, “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.”
Will people thank God because you are loving? Will people thank God because of your faith in Jesus Christ? Let us not forget to show our love to people every day as we go through our work and our dealings. Let us also show our faith in Jesus Christ no matter what is the situation around us.
Second, be a partner in sharing the Gospel.
Paul wrote, “I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.”
Do you partner with others in sharing the Word of God? Are you willing to serve God by being a partner to others through your prayers, encouragement and support?
We have received the Gospel because somebody partnered with someone since Jesus Christ gave the Great Commission.
Third, refresh people with your presence and words.
Paul was full of joy and was encouraged by the life of Philemon. He wrote, “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”
Is your presence a joy and an encouragement to others? Or do you pull down others? Let it be that our life will become a blessing to others like Philemon.
May others give thanks to God because of our lives. | NWI
