[Paul shared this thanksgiving with his son in the faith, Timothy.] I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. —2 Timothy 1:3
In this season of thanksgiving, what is your plan to give thanks to God for the people in your life that are most precious to you? Certainly, our families are precious to us, but what about your closest and dearest friends who are not related to you, but who are close to you (maybe even closer than your family)? Do you have a friend or two that you’ve had for as long as you can remember – people that mean so much to you that when you’re together you are filled with thanks? When is the last time you gave thanks to God for them?
The Apostle Paul was in a rough place when he wrote our verse for today. He was coming to the end of his life and finding close friends hard to come by. Often, being the one to share the Good News about Jesus with those closest to us results in people walking out of our lives. Yet, as Paul did, he stayed on mission and continued to encourage Timothy, whom he mentored and for whom he prayed regularly. Timothy was continuing the work that Paul began, in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
This week, before we even get to the final plans for Thanksgiving Day, make a list of close friends for which you are thankful. Then, give thanks to God for that friend or friends. But don’t stop there. Send that person a note or text message or phone call to let them know how much you appreciate them, give thanks for them, and then commit to doing that regularly. The foundation of the gospel and of love is relationship. We are eternally grateful for the relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are eternally grateful for the relationship we have with God through Jesus Christ. We can also be thankful for all with which we are blessed, especially the precious people in our lives who love us, keep us accountable, share our joys and fears, and who listen and share themselves with us too. Don’t delay in this ministry! Today is the day.
~Steve
