2 Thessalonians 1:3 English Standard Version
We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.
Relationships are so important in our lives. God wants us to have relationships with others, not just with Himself. In the second letter from Paul to the Thessalonians, Paul is encouraging us to give thanks to God for our relationships, and to know that those relationships are a blessing in our lives.
There are so many relationships to be thankful for. With Thanksgiving just two days away I have begun thinking about all of the people I am thankful for in my life. My friends, my sister, my parents, my boyfriend, my co-workers, and yes, even my teachers. I have so many people to be thankful for, but I also need to be thankful for their relationship with Christ. I cannot be selfish. I cannot only be thankful that these people love me and encourage me. I must be thankful that they have a relationship with Christ, and I must be thankful that that the help me with my relationship with Christ.
In this letter, Paul reminds us that our love for one another is, and should always be growing. Since our love for one another is always growing we must be thankful for that opportunity. I also remind myself that the people in my life are not only here to make me happy, but also to bring me closer to God (even if they do not know that they are doing it).
I am so thankful for my family and what they have done for me. My parents have sacrificed so much for my siblings and I, and I could never thank them enough. My parents have raised me Catholic, and even though I went to a Christian school my whole life it was not until high school when I really started to get into my faith and they were so supportive, and never pushy. If they hadn’t supported all of my crazy trips and conferences my life would not be the same.
My sister and my best friend are two huge blessings in my life. Without these two women I would be absolutely insane. My best friend and I have been side by side since kindergarten, and since then we have helped each other through thick and thin. Even though she may not know it, she has truly strengthened my relationship with God through her love and gentleness. My sister is a complete work of art. God did something so different with her than he did with me, and I am so thankful for my sister because of her wit and her abilities. I think of us as Jane and Lizzy Bennet from Pride and Prejudice because of our relationship. My sister has strengthened my relationship with God through her own actions. She has put so much faith into God that I took her as an example, even though I am older.
I am also so thankful for my boyfriend and friends. My friends, even though they do not know it, help strengthen my relationship with God because of all the negativity that they hold inside them. (I promise not all of my friends are like this.) Some of my friends really help me realize my blessings, and show me that I have to be thankful for what God has given me. Even though my friends do not intentionally help my relationship with God, I still have to be thankful for them and for all they do. My boyfriend is such a joy in my life. He motivates me, and supports me more than anyone I have ever known. His own relationship with Christ has taught me so much about my faith. He is such a wonderful Catholic gentleman (I don’t know how I got so lucky), and his love for others (and me of course) has shown me how wonderful and loving God is. I thank God everyday for him, but I also thank God for the opportunity that we have been given: to grow closer to each other with His guidance, and that together, as one, we can help bring others to Christ.
All of these relationships have helped me grow closer to God, and for that I have to thank God with so much praise! We all have to be thankful for the relationships we have, and even the ones that may not seem beneficial at first. Our love for one another is always growing, and with God's help that love can continue to grow and help others.
Thought Questions:
How can we express our thankfulness to everyone this coming holiday?
How can each of our relationships help us grow closer to Christ?
What is one way I can step out of my way and help others this holiday season?
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