Scripture: 2nd Corinthians 9:12-13 (the Message)
Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone.
Thought for the Day: President John F. Kennedy said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Today is Thanksgiving Sunday, an opportunity for us to pause, and in the context of worship, offer an appreciative song and prayer. It is a good day, but we cannot let our gratitude remain bound to the sanctuary on a Sunday morning. It belongs on the street, in the workplace and home, at school and the park, and even at the in-laws where some will be eating this Thursday. This unleashed gratitude should come in the form of beautiful acts of compassion and mercy. As Paul says, we should show our “gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ.”
Prayer: Let my obedience be found in my hands and words and actions, O Lord who gave us the living model of gratitude, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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