Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind—just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you—so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:3 - 9
One of the things that I love best about the writings of the Apostle Paul is that he begins his letters by letting the people know that he is thankful for them; that he is thankful for the work that they do; that he is thankful for their faithfulness to God. From a practical standpoint in regards to ministry this might be one of the most important things that we can take away from Paul’s letters. I know from my own experience that it’s easy to get caught up in doing ministry and I can forget to acknowledge the contribution others make in bringing the Gospel of Christ into the world. Or, in those times when there are struggles and difficulties in ministry I might not feel like being thankful for some of my fellow followers of Christ. Yet, I must take my cue from Paul who, regardless of the circumstances, always remembers to give thanks to God for those who “have been given the grace of Jesus Christ.” Plainly, it’s encouragement, and both the act of giving and receiving makes everyone feel good.
Paul is an encourager. Aside from all the other gifts for ministry that Paul was given he was definitely given the spiritual gift of encouragement. Just look at the other things he tells the people of Corinth: “God will strengthen you”, “God is faithful”, “You have everything you need, the necessary spiritual gifts”. If we remember just these three things as we engage in ministry we will always be successful in carrying out God’s mission. You’re engaged in ministry. You know that sometimes it’s rough. You know that it’s easy to get discouraged. You know that sometimes it’s hard to see how things will work out. In those times remember these words of encouragement. Also, in those times remember to give thanks for those who are journeying along with you. In those times remember to praise God.
Questions for Reflection
v For whom do you give thanks to God?
v Are you a person for whom others are thankful?
v In what ways are you strengthened by God?
v How do you encourage others?
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Scripture from The New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. All rights reserved.
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