Gratitude is a character trait we all need, and for the Christian, it is a command. However, true gratitude must come from the heart. It cannot be expressed simply with words. It is not just being polite. It must be a deliberate act of faith, faith in a God who loves us, especially when we did not love Him. It is not just an emotion; it is a proactive response to God’s grace and provision. It must become a way of life. Our gratitude reveals whether our lives are about God or about us. This type of gratitude will encourage others as they watch how we respond to God as the giver and sustainer of life.
Biblical gratitude prays and asks God for answers, and thanks Him in advance before there is any evidence that the prayer will be answered. Jesus often did this before His miracles. In John 11, we find the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus knew what was going to happen, but He still looked to the heavens before Lazarus was raised from the dead, and thanked His Father for what was about to happen.
John 11:41 “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.”
In I Thessalonians 1:2-3 Paul encourages the church at Thessalonica by telling them he is praying for them always! This alone would make any Christian feel encouraged, knowing that a giant in the faith has taken time to pray for you. But that’s not all he does; he commends them for their faith, their labors, and their hope in Jesus.
Their work of faith was not passive. It was work that could be seen in their obedience. Their labor of love shows that it was not a feeling. The Greek word for labor implies exhausting effort. It is difficult, sacrificial love that serves others and loves their enemies in a world where selfishness is the norm. The patience of hope that Paul speaks of is the ability to remain under pressure and endure suffering because your eyes are not on your circumstances, they are fixed on the return of Jesus.
I Thessalonians 1:2 “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.”
The greatest encouragement for me as a Christian would be his words in verses 7-8. Paul extends his gratitude further, telling them that they were examples to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. If that were not enough, he says they “sounded out the word” abroad. These believers were famous because of their faith. What an awesome compliment. The benefits they gained from their salvation were the grounds and reasons for his gratitude. Real, genuine faith at work brings results, and talk of it spreads like wildfire. A radical faith that is true to the word will reap positive results. It cannot help but influence the hearts and lives of those who see it. Curious people ask questions, which leads to an opportunity to tell them about your relationship with Jesus. Reading the word of God is important, but seeing it lived out has a greater impact.
That kind of faith, this radical expression of faith, is what I want to be known for. I am not speaking of being weird or isolated. I am speaking of a faith that leads to a lifestyle where others see the love of Christ in my relationship with them. A lifestyle that does not allow outside activities to dictate my church attendance or my faithfulness to the things of God. We have lived in five different states, made many friends, helped build churches, literally and spiritually, filled positions in teaching, music, discipling others, and the list could go on, but all of these things do not matter if the basis for them is not our faith. If actions and attitudes are not grounded in the truths of His word and done ONLY to glorify God, not ourselves.
I Thessalonians 1:7-8 “So that ye were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not speak anything.”
Our gratitude for our salvation will produce actions that reflect who Jesus is. It will encourage others who are struggling to persevere as they see our faith. We are to be an example in our gratitude and our attitude. Today, look for someone to encourage in their own walk with the Lord.
