1 Corinthians 1:4

New International Version (NIV)

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.

For Meditation

It is always good to thank God for the lives of others. When we see excellence in the lives of other people and rejoice for them, it rises to God as thanksgiving. That was what the Apostle Paul did the best. In all his letters to the churches, he always expressed his joy for the saints, as he remembered them in prayers. The first epistle to the Corinthians is no exception. Paul reminded them about his prayer of thanksgiving to God because of His grace given the Corinthians in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 1:4). He saw the riches of this grace manifested in the spiritual gifts they enjoyed (5) – the fruit of his ministry among them (6). Paul’s joy was buoyed by the assurance that God, who called the Corinthians into fellowship with Jesus, will firm their faith in Christ till He comes for the church, because He is faithful (8-9).

Just as Paul spoke to the believers at Corinth, he speaks to us today. His joy and thanks to God for the Corinthians equally rise to God on our behalf for all His blessings bestowed on us in Christ. What a wonderful heritage to fall on for comfort and encouragement!

In a similar manner, I can sense your thanksgiving ascending before God’s throne every morning when I rise up. Your partnership in the life of my family and ministry has impacted us in many ways that only God can repay you for. Your prayers have been our cover in difficult and challenging times.

That’s why I can say with Paul that “I always thank my God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor. 1:4). Your life is a picture of grace and infectious joy that always encourages me. So, continue smiling and allow your countenance to reflect Christ in my life. It makes our journey to glory together as believers easier and bearable; and when finally, our Lord welcomes us into His eternal habitation, our joy would be complete in Him together.

This is how I felt yesterday when I celebrated my birthday. Paul’s encouraging words to the Corinthians filled me with joy during my early morning devotion and, as I meditated on it through the day and your wishes continued to pour in, I sensed your joy from far and near, and my heart was warmed. I felt your love and that of our Lord Jesus Christ. What more could I ask for, but to return this love to you, and to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for your life. To Him be glory in our lives through eternity. Amen.

I am thankful for you because of the grace of God for you in Christ.

Shalom