Thanking God for Those Around Us: The Gift of Gratitude
Thankfulness Devotion
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 1Thessalonians 2:13
Gratitude is such a beautiful gift—but if I’m honest, I haven't always practiced it the way I should. Especially when it comes to people. It's easy to thank God when something big happens or when a prayer is answered. But thanking Him for the people in my life? That’s a deeper kind of gratitude that took me time to recognize.
Life gets busy. We run from one thing to the next, juggling responsibilities, navigating challenges, and doing our best to keep moving forward. And in the middle of all that, it's so easy to overlook the gift of people—the ones who pray with us, encourage us, love us, and simply show up when we need it most.
What I love about the Apostle Paul is that he didn’t miss this. He thanked God without ceasing for the believers he ministered to. And not just in a passing way. He acknowledged their faith, their growth, and the way they received the Word of God. He saw their transformation and it moved him to sincere, unceasing thanksgiving.
That convicted me. I started thinking about the people God has placed in my life—my family, friends, mentors, and even those I only know through ministry. How many times have I stopped to really thank God for them? Not just thank them personally but go before God with a heart full of gratitude for who they are and how He’s used them in my life.
I’ve realized something: when I pause and thank God for those around me, my heart changes. I see others with more compassion. I become more patient, more understanding, and less likely to take people for granted. That’s what makes gratitude so powerful—it draws us closer to God and softens our hearts toward others.
So today, let’s take Paul’s lead. Let’s make space in our prayers to thank God for the people in our lives—not just for what they do, but for who they are. Let’s name them, lift them up in gratitude, and allow God to deepen our love for them through our prayers.
Because thanking God for others isn’t just a nice gesture. It’s a spiritual practice that binds us together in love and keeps our hearts tender before the Lord.
Daily Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You have placed such wonderful people in my life. I don’t want to take them for granted. Thank You for encouraging me, teaching me, and strengthening me through them. Help me to honor them not only with words, but by lifting them up to You in prayer with sincere gratitude.
In the name of our Savior, Christ Jesus, I humbly pray,
Amen.
Before You Go
Is there someone you can thank God for today? Maybe even send them a note or say a quick prayer of blessing over them? Small acts of gratitude go a long way in reflecting God’s love.
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