The New Testament is full of thankfulness, from start to finish. Each of Paul’s letters seem to begin with gratefulness for the church he was writing to, and they usually end with his thanks for individuals among them. See Phil.1:3-4 or Col.1:3, among many. Most of these churches had serious problems that threatened their undoing, but along with reproof the apostle found things about them for which he was thankful. And how about us? Perhaps there are things about our congregation that one could grumble about, but are we thankful for the many more things that are positive?
Out of curiosity I looked up a web site that listed things for which celebrities are thankful. I was surprised to find that I had never heard of most of these “celebrities,” but I was equally surprised to read what they were thankful for. I thought they might mention the mansions they live in, or the riches they have, or maybe their talents and world travels. However, almost all of them stated they were grateful for their families. I found that comforting. Families are indeed precious, and most people know it.
With Thanksgiving upon us we have two families to be grateful for: our physical families and our brothers and sisters in Christ. It seems the apostle Paul was grateful for the latter; he likely didn’t have much personal family to be with. You are blessed indeed if you have both. Be grateful for them this Thanksgiving weekend, and every weekend. “We ought always to give thanks to God for you.” (2 Thess.1:3)
– Tim Johnson