DAY TWO-TUESDAY
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,
5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
6 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.
7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. (Phil. 1:3-8 ESV)
My beloved,
Every time a smile sneaks up on you because you’ve just remembered someone, count that person as a gift from me. Every time you laugh out loud because of the way someone loved you out loud, regard it as a present I’ve given you.
A spouse who knew exactly what you wanted for Christmas though you never said a word. A friend who texted the most encouraging words at the most discouraging moment. A teacher who cared about what was happening in your home not just in your classroom. A parent who held you tightly before you walked out the door yesterday. A child who just wanted to sit in your lap and cuddle. A sibling who called just when you needed to cry. An author who wrote as if you were her only reader. Every one of them has been a hand-picked gift from me to you.
Give thanks for them all.
Especially for those to whom you are bound by grace. There are a lot of nice people out there (and a few old grumps!). But think now of those who, like you, received the mercy of the gospel. And those who, like you, now seek to minister the gospel to others. Bring to your mind those who share in receiving and giving the greatest news of all.
A member of your small group who’s counseled you in tough times. Someone you sit next to in Sunday School whose very presence makes you want to be a better person. A partner in your service to a local school or food pantry who makes this labor such a love. A companion who meets you for coffee and prayer almost every week without fail. It’s been my pleasure to give you pleasure through these delightful people.
Give thanks for them all.
And now consider this: I’ve also hand-picked you as a gift for others. You are the present I want to deliver to someone today. Your laughter is just what someone in sadness needs today. Your insight is exactly what someone in confusion is asking for today. Let me wrap you up and place you in the path of someone in need.
Give thanks for those who’ve blessed you. And be a reason for others to also give thanks.
Grace and peace,
Jesus
