GIVE THANKS FOR ALL MEN
Oluwamuyiwa Okuseinde
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” (1 Timothy 2:1).
Ingratitude is a common disease these days. But God wants us to be totally cured of it so we can overflow with thanksgiving. That is why the Lord has brought this gratitude challenge our way.
One reason why many are unthankful is man’s predisposition to being selfish. Selfishness makes us focus on what we don’t have instead of being grateful for what we have. Also, because we are so focused on ourselves, we sometimes don’t see what God is doing in the lives of people around us.
Typically, the scope of our gratitude is limited to the personal blessings we receive from God. While that is good and necessary, apostle Paul taught that we should be so generous in gratitude that we are willing to give thanks for all men.
Paul was himself a practitioner of what he taught. His epistles usually begin with thanksgiving to God for his audience. He was thankful to God that the faith of the Roman Christians was spoken of throughout the world (Romans 1:8). He gave thanks that God enriched the Corinthians with diverse spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 1:4-5). To another church, he wrote: “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers” (1 Thessalonians 1:2).
Thanksgiving for all men is a vital part of having goodwill towards others. Remember that the Scripture admonishes us to rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15). We should have such largeness of heart that we are willing to appreciate God for His mercy and goodness towards others around us.
Look around you right now and thank God for your neighbours, your boss and subordinates in the office. You don’t need to be best of friends with them to thank God for them. Give thanks for all men.
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FURTHER BIBLE READING: PSALMS 147:1-20.
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EXERCISES
- What new insight have you gained from the above message? Please write it down in your journal.
- What would be your prayer points and what are the steps you will take?
- If you have been blessed by this message, please share it with your friends and loved ones.
TODAY’S MESSAGE
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