November 16

Acts 17:16-18:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5:11

Thank you. This is a simple phrase with profound effects. Saying thanks not only shapes our hearts but also impacts the receiver of those words. If we are honest with ourselves, our speech is often marked far more by complaints, anger, and frustration than thanks, which in turn shapes our hearts and emotions.

As Paul writes his first letter to the church in Thessalonica, four times he speaks of the idea of thankfulness. In chapters 1 and 2 Paul says he always and continually is saying thanks to God when he thinks of the church. Then in chapter 3, he recognizes he could never say thank you enough to God and because of this, in chapter 5 he states we should learn to "give thanks in all circumstances." How good are you at saying thanks? Are you saying thank you to God always, continually, and in all circumstances? Imagine the effects on us and our world if we were known as people who say, "Thank you."

Father God, thank you for your grace, love, mercy, presence, and ___________. Help me to always say thank you to you. Amen. 

How can you learn to say "thank you" more regularly?

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