I Do Not Cease to Give Thanks for You!
Ephesians 1:15-16: "For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers."
The month of November is a time to give thanks for our country and for all that was done to secure this land for us. More importantly, it is a time when we are called to look at the One who gives all things to us - breath, life, and our very sustenance. The Lord has been so abundant in his presence and blessings to us. November is also a time to give thanks for family and friends. Not only does the Lord provide for us physically, but he also provides life-nourishing relationships.
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul thanked the Lord for the church, for the faith of the people in the church of Ephesus, and for the encouragement they were to him and to each other. Paul wanted these people to know of his love, his care, and his gratitude to God for the gift of their faith and fellowship. Paul was invested in the church of Ephesus, and he longed to see it grow, flourish, and continue the work of the Gospel. Since he could not be present with them, Paul wrote to encourage them, to remind them of his love, and to tell them that he prayed for them.
This encouragement of Paul was surely encouraging and helpful to people in Ephesus of that day, and it is still encouraging to us today. Words carry life and death. They can build people up in their faith, or they can tear people down. Everyone longs to know that they matter, that they are loved, and that they are valued.
How are you encouraging the saints, your brothers and sisters in Christ? How are you using your words to build up the church, your community, and most importantly the people in your home? Do you realize the power of your words - spoken and unspoken? Sometimes the greatest hurt comes from the words unspoken as people feel forgotten.
As believers, we must follow the leadership of Paul. Let us take time to encourage one another, to build one another up, and to remind one another that we are loved by the Lord and by each other. There is no greater gift than a heart of gratitude, love, and encouragement, especially in the holiday season!
Reflection:
Who can you send an encouraging letter to today?
The month of November is a time to give thanks for our country and for all that was done to secure this land for us. More importantly, it is a time when we are called to look at the One who gives all things to us - breath, life, and our very sustenance. The Lord has been so abundant in his presence and blessings to us. November is also a time to give thanks for family and friends. Not only does the Lord provide for us physically, but he also provides life-nourishing relationships.
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul thanked the Lord for the church, for the faith of the people in the church of Ephesus, and for the encouragement they were to him and to each other. Paul wanted these people to know of his love, his care, and his gratitude to God for the gift of their faith and fellowship. Paul was invested in the church of Ephesus, and he longed to see it grow, flourish, and continue the work of the Gospel. Since he could not be present with them, Paul wrote to encourage them, to remind them of his love, and to tell them that he prayed for them.
This encouragement of Paul was surely encouraging and helpful to people in Ephesus of that day, and it is still encouraging to us today. Words carry life and death. They can build people up in their faith, or they can tear people down. Everyone longs to know that they matter, that they are loved, and that they are valued.
How are you encouraging the saints, your brothers and sisters in Christ? How are you using your words to build up the church, your community, and most importantly the people in your home? Do you realize the power of your words - spoken and unspoken? Sometimes the greatest hurt comes from the words unspoken as people feel forgotten.
As believers, we must follow the leadership of Paul. Let us take time to encourage one another, to build one another up, and to remind one another that we are loved by the Lord and by each other. There is no greater gift than a heart of gratitude, love, and encouragement, especially in the holiday season!
Reflection:
Who can you send an encouraging letter to today?
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