Who to Thank God For

We tend to focus on who we are angry with rather than who we are thankful for

Lingering anger is demonic

And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. EPHESIANS 4:26 NLT

Constant gratitude is Godly

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 NLT
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. PHILIPPIANS 1:3 NLT

I can be thankful for people who:

Have shown me kindness

Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.” RUTH 2:10 NLT
But thank God! He has given Titus the same enthusiasm for you that I have. 2 CORINTHIANS 8:16 NLT

Have given me direction

Thank God for your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murder and from carrying out vengeance with my own hands. 1 SAMUEL 25:33 NLT
The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray. PROVERBS 12:26 NLT

Are honest with me

Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. PROVERBS 27:6 NLT

Pray for me

We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. 1 THESSALONIANS 1:2 NLT

Have believed in me

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity… Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 1 TIMOTHY 4:12,14 NLT

Have taught me about Jesus

We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too. 1 THESSALONIANS 2:8 NLT

Are following Jesus

Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. ROMANS 6:17 NLT
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. PHILIPPIANS 4:8 NIV

Community Group Discussion Guide

  1. Would you say you have an easier time being verbally critical of someone or verbally thankful for them? What motivates that in you?
  2. Read Philippians 1:3. As you think back over your life, who are you instantly thankful to God for and what makes them so important to you?
  3. Who are you uniquely thankful for in this group? Take a moment to thank them specifically for what they have done in your life.
  4. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18. What are some of the circumstances in your life where you find thanking God to be difficult?
  5. As you think through what God has done through those circumstances, what has happened for which you can give him thanks?
  6. Read Philippians 4:8. What are some of the positive things in your life that you can focus on? What what habits or routines need to change to encourage thankfulness in you?

Personal Reflection Guide

Read Philippians 1:3-5. Paul stated that every time he thought of the Philippian church, he gave thanks to God. Who in your life do you give thanks for every time you think of them? Take time now with God to share with him your gratitude for the people he has put in your life. Share with him also the places and people where you struggle to feel grateful and ask him to help you see something in them to be thankful for.
As you go through your week, keep an eye on your heart. If you are struggling to be thankful, what practical steps do you need to take to bring about a change of heart? As you feel thankful, who can you not only give thanks to God for, but take the next step and tell them in person how thankful you are for them? Like anything in life, repetition gives birth to habit. Take the time this week to start a habit of thankfulness.

My Notes