Often when we think about the idea of thankfulness we ponder what we are thankful for. We are thankful for our friends, our families, our jobs, our home, our creature comforts, a sunny day…When we stop to think about it we probably have a lot to be thankful for.

In 1 Corinthians 1: 4 – 9 we see that Paul too is thankful. In thinking about the Corinthians Paul says he always thanks God for the work that He has done in their lives. He is thankful for the grace that God have has given them in Christ Jesus (v4). He is thankful that their lives have be enriched in every way (v5). He is thankful that God has confirmed the truth about Jesus among them (v6). And he is thankful that they lack nothing (v7) and that God will keep them close until the end (v8). What things to be thankful for! Paul is not thankful for the achievements of the Corinthians but of how God has worked in their lives.

Unlike Paul I don’t think I can say that I am always thankful for the grace given to me in Christ Jesus. I must admit in my day to day life it so easily take for granted all that God has done for me through Christ Jesus. I get too distracted by the business of life. This passage is not only a comfort but is a helpful reminder that my fellowship in the Son has absolutely nothing to do with my own worthiness or my own contribution. It is not something I should take for granted. This passage is a great reminder of the things that God has done for us. Like Paul we should always thankful for the grace that God has shown us. We should not only be thankful for the grace God has shown me but also the grace he has shown others. We should be thankful when we see God’s grace at work in the lives of others. We should be thankful when our sisters speak to the truth.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the grace that you have given us through Christ Jesus. Thank you that you have confirmed the truth about Jesus to us and that you promise to keep us firm to the end. In the business of our lives please help us not to take this for granted but live everyday thankful for your love shown us in bringing us into fellowship with you. (Pray by name and thank God for some people in your live who you thank God for), Amen.

Caitlin Orr is currently on maternity leave from her position as an assistant minister at South Head Anglican Parish. While on leave she is still trying to do what she loves: evangelism and exploring ways to connect with community. Caitlin is married to Lachlan who works for City Bible Forum in Sydney. When not trying to teach Charlie to sleep or hanging with friends and family, Caitlin enjoys reading, watching DVD series and listening to atrocious pop music.

1 Corinthians 1: 4 - 9 What are you thankful for?