Philippians 1:3-11
3 I thank my God every time I remember you, 4 constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, 5 because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
“… 3 I thank my God every time I remember you …”
Many years ago, one of my mentors suggested that I take the time to pray for those who annoy me. Rather than fret, stew, or kvetch over them, I was to lift them up before God. The more I followed my friend’s advice, the less animosity I experienced and the more I discovered peace and joy.
Subsequently, hearing Paul’s words to the Thessalonians to “give thanks in all circumstances”, I began the second step of giving thanks for those who had previously been annoying. Recognizing them at God’s children – like myself – in addition to turning them over to God, I started giving thanks for them. I prayed that, through them, I may become more patient, joyful, and pastoral. Giving thanks led me to a greater appreciation for them and for all people.
Paul offers the final step: Thankfulness simply when one is remembered. Each day, people come into our minds. We can’t help it. We just think about them. When that happens, Paul encourages thankfulness – for them, for knowing them, for their relationship with us, for the gifts they bring into the world. Paul calls us to remember that all are children of God; and the more we are thankful for them, the greater the peace and joy present in our lives and theirs.
Pray: Thank you, Lord, for those whom I will remember and give thanks for today. Amen.