GRATITUDE 4 - Let others know how important they are to you.

Gratitude 4 - English files

Dankbarkeit - German files

Devotional Thoughts about Philippians 4:10-19

As Paul was in prison without the freedom to move around and do as he liked, we might have excused him if he had indulged in some self-pity. But he never complained in the whole letter of Philip­pians. Instead he thanked God for the church at Philippi (1:3). He cared about the people, not just about what he got from them.

Of course he also thanked the church directly for their gift (4:10). Writing thank-you notes has rather gone out of style, but since I found out how much they mean to the recipients, I’m very glad my mom once taught me to write them. Now I try to describe in them my delight or surprise at the gift or the favor as exactly as possible.

I’ve learned that a personal an expression of thanks is best, one that includes things you’d never find in a printed thank-you card. Paul mentioned to the Philippians things that didn’t apply to the other churches, such as their support of him early on and their taking up the slack left by others (4:15,16).

Most importantly, the Philip­pians’ thoughtful gift pleased God. Their generosity which grew out of their love for Him smelled wonderful to Him.

 Lord, help me be quick to thank people for their kindnesses to me.

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