31 Days of Devotion, Day 26 by Patrick Lathem

Daily Reading: Philippians 1: 1-6

When I was in college, an older couple in my church mentored me and taught me important life lessons. To this day, one of their lessons sticks with me. They taught me the importance of writing thank you notes. I remember the woman providing detailed instruction and telling me how such notes can be a blessing and encouragement to others.

In the opening words of the book of Philippians, we find a thank you note of sorts. The apostle Paul expressed his affection for the first-century church at Philippi by saying, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Acts 16 tells of the way the Lord used Paul to plant a church in Philippi. Since the first days of the church in that city, Paul had not ceased to give thanks to God for his friends in the faith.

As beings made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27), we are hardwired for a relationship with God and a relationship with other people (Matthew 22:37-40). Are you making it your aim to love God and love others? Realize this — regular prayers of thanks for others can make love grow in your heart. Let the example of Paul motivate you to make thanksgiving for others a regular part of your prayer life. The Lord will use such expressions of gratitude to make your heart more loving toward others.

Daily Prayer
Dear God, as Paul longed and worked for building up of the church, help me to see how I can contribute towards relationships that bring glory and honor to you. Amen.