stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 1:3)

One of the ways we grow in fellowship with other believers is through being thankful for them. Thankfulness is typically done in response to something done for you. It’s primarily reactive. While that’s necessary, what if our thankfulness was proactive?  What if it was based more on what Christ has done for and in someone rather than what that person has done for you?  

When did you last thank God for saving someone, making them a brother or sister in Christ?  When was the last time you were thankful they were in the family of God?  The church at Philippi was of the first churches Paul planted on his second missionary journey after a vision of the man from Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10).  He revisited them on his third missionary journey (Acts 20:1-5).  They ministered to Paul by sending him financial help (Philippians 4:10-20) and sending him encouraging companionship in Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30).  While Paul was thankful for what they had done for him, he was also grateful for what he had witnessed Jesus do in them.

Paul had witnessed Jesus save them and bring them into the Christian church and spiritual family.  Lydia became a believer as she listened to Paul share the gospel (Acts 16:11-15).  All her household believed and were baptized.  He delivered a young slave girl from demon possession there (Acts 16:16-18).  The Philippian jailer and all his household believed and were baptized because Paul shared the gospel with them (Acts 16:32-34). 

When Paul thought about the Philippians, he was thankful for their partnership in the gospel, including how they had helped him and that Jesus had saved them so they could be gospel partners.  We must be thoughtful and thankful towards other believers not only when they do things to bless us but because Jesus has saved them and brought them into the family of God.  Thank God for saving your forever family.  Thank them for following Him.  

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Does your thankfulness for fellow believers result in your thoughtfulness towards them?  

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Take a moment to thank God for believers in your local church.  List them by name as they come to mind.  

Action for the Hands (Do)

• Make a few phone calls or send a few texts today (even write a card!) to fellow believers expressing your thankfulness to God for them.