At Thanksgiving, we sang to our grandkids the song they learned in a cartoon. “What are you thankful for? I’m thankful for my Josie, Nory, and Thomas.” As Thanksgiving gives way to Christmas, we hold on to gratitude. For whom are we thankful today
Paul was thankful for the Thessalonian believers who had believed the good news when he preached to them. Twice he says, “We ought always to thank God for you...” Paul thanked God. Someone said Thanksgiving is a difficult day for atheists because they don’t know whom to thank. Paul thanked God for choosing the Thessalonians to be saved (2:13).
What made Paul thankful for the Thessalonians? They were his family, “brothers and sisters.” Their faith was growing and their love for each other was increasing. Paul bragged to other churches about the way the Thessalonians endured persecution.
Fill in the blank: What are you thankful for? I am thankful for my ... Church. I am thankful for God’s people. I am thankful for you as you study God’s word with me. Give thanks for growing faith and love that increases and includes God’s people.
