Do you thank God for others?

Do you thank God for those around you? Is that something that ever occurs to you?

Thanking God for others is a recurring theme in almost all of Paul’s letters. His deep love for the people with whom he shared life is evident.

Paul writes to the Colossians in the same way, even though he hasn’t met them in person.

We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,
 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; (Col. 1:3-4 NKJV)

He only heard about the people in Colosse. But still uses the opportunity to let them know he gives thanks to God for them.

We might think that others should act in ways that make us thankful for them. But this mindset holds us back. In his letter, Paul expresses gratitude for the Corinthians despite their conflicts and issues. He never thought, “I dislike getting involved with Corinth.” His love for them stems from his genuine concern. Paul thanked God for the Corinthians because he saw God’s grace in their lives. God’s care, redemption, and provision for each of us are the main reasons to be thankful.

When we recognize even the tiniest signs of God’s grace in our lives and in those around us, we’ll discover countless reasons to express our gratitude to Him. One wonderful principle of knowing God and His Word is this: as we grow in our knowledge of Him, we are inspired to obey Him, and that obedience helps us to deepen our understanding of His goodness. This principle can be beautifully applied to our thankfulness. The more we express our appreciation to God for others, the more we uncover new blessings to thank Him for. Thankfulness enriches our understanding of God, and in turn, leads us to an ever-expanding heart of gratitude.

Yes, we can have an overflow of thankfulness. That’s what Apostle Paul writes to the Colossians.

As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
 (Col. 2:6-7 NKJV)

Gratitude is a powerful force that resonates deeply across the entire world. Many people have explored various ways to embrace thankfulness, often highlighting its profound physiological and psychological benefits. Each of us has countless reasons to express our gratitude. Yet, for those of us who have Christ as the foundation in our lives, our sense of thankfulness expands immeasurably, filling our hearts with boundless appreciation.

---

Gratitude Mapping: A Way to Compound Thankfulness