"For this reason, I have never stopped giving thanks for you..."
- Eph 1:16
Paul was never a complainer. He is a thankful person. He is very appreciative of the people and the situation God has placed in his life.
First, Paul reminded his readers of how Jesus has blessed us, chosen us, ordained our lives, pre-destined our lives, and redeemed us, to be a testimony... from Ephesians 1: 3-14
Then, He reasons, now... we can be grateful and be "others" oriented. knowing you're blessed , you now can see others as well, you can pray for others and believe for their success.
Question:
Have you stopped thanking God for the people around you?
Have you wished harm for others instead of blessing?
Don't. Pray for them and wish them well.
Jesus encourages us in Luke 6:35
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back."Sometimes we see more faults and flaws of others. Apostle Paul exhorts us to give thanks and pray for them. Paul never stopped giving thanks about the people he worked with. The people he is discipling and even those "thorn in the flesh" people he still accepts as God's provision for growth and maturity.
Next time you think about people around you: Give thanks!
