Read the transcript from today's video devotional.
What a beautiful idea to be true about a group of people. Paul, who wrote this, was affectionately referencing his relationship to folks that meant a lot to him. Enough that every single time he thinks of them, he's grateful to God that they're a part of his life.
When I read this verse, the first thing that comes to mind is, what if the opposite were true about me? What if every time I come to mind for someone, they do the opposite of giving thanks to God for me? That's definitely not where I want to be in terms of my relationship to others, but it makes me appreciate the fact that to feel the opposite, to feel this idea that we are a part of a reciprocal relationship where there is gratitude and thanksgiving that comes to mind because of your connection. That's a beautiful thing.
Human Connection Through God's Love
What's interesting about today's verse is that it's talking directly about a human person thinking about other human people. Paul is saying he thanks God every time he thinks of those that he's writing to. And when I think about that, for us, it is informed by God's love for us. The connection we have to others because of who He is. But it's a reminder that it's important for us to have people in our lives that have a place in our heart that is deeply connective, so that we can go on this life's journey together.
There's probably people you can think of right now that come to mind that when they come to your brain, you can't help but smile. Maybe you think back to people who contributed to your development or your upbringing, and you go, "Man, I'm so thankful for their investment in me." Maybe there's people, whenever you're down, they send you a message. It just brightens your day. This is something that would cause you to thank God for their presence in your life.
Cherishing Deep Connection
And I think that's something that we need to not only appreciate, but that we truly need to celebrate and thank God in worship. Because this is an exception. This is not the rule. We all know that a deep and meaningful connection of friendship is something to cherish and to value. In our culture and our society, as we're becoming more and more disconnected personally, it only heightens the reality of the times when we have somebody who we can count on that we're connected to. And that can always be that presence of encouragement and faithfulness in our lives.
The thing that Paul was referring to here was his gratitude not only for who they were as people, but their partnership in the gospel. He will go on to say—who are the people that you know that spur you on toward a life in faithfulness to Christ?
Maybe as an exercise today, in reference to our verse, you'll just send them a message or give them a call and let that person know that every time you think of them, you thank God for them.
