1 Corinthians 1:4 Devotional (Verse of the Day)
In 1 Corinthians 1:4, the Apostle Paul beautifully modelled Thanksgiving as more than a seasonal act. He modelled it as a spiritual rhythm.
Writing to a church riddled with challenges, Paul didn’t start with criticism but with gratitude. His words were a testimony of how grace shapes our perspective of others. This verse reminds us to anchor our relationships and prayers in thankfulness, not for perfection, but for God’s grace at work in people’s lives.
”I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:4New International Version (NIV)
A Testimony of Thanksgiving: Grateful for God’s Grace in Others
Paul had every reason to be frustrated with the Corinthians. The church was divided, immature, and morally inconsistent. Yet he opened his letter by testifying, “I give thanks to my God always for you…”
His optimism wasn’t blind. It was the product of spiritual maturity and a grace-saturated heart.
Moreover, Paul didn’t give thanks because they had everything figured out. He gave thanks because God had already begun a good work in them. He saw beyond their present struggles to the grace that was already theirs in Christ.
This is the power of the gospel perspective. It allows us to see others not through their failures but through the lens of God’s mercy.
Finally, Paul’s thanksgiving is also deeply personal. He said, “I give thanks to my God…”, an intimate expression of his relationship with God and how that relationship shaped his response to others.
Therefore, Paul made thanksgiving a habit, a testimony of his trust that God’s grace is active even when people are imperfect.
Reflection
- Are there people in your life who challenge your patience or expectations?
- Can you choose, like Paul, to give thanks for God’s grace in them, even when they fall short?
- What would change if you saw others through the lens of grace?
Prayer/Blessing
Father, thank You for the people You’ve placed in my life. Help me, like Paul, to give thanks for Your grace in them, not just for what they do, but for who they are in Christ. Teach me to celebrate Your work in others and to make gratitude my first response. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Call to Action
Take a moment today to send a note or message to someone in your life. Tell them, “I thank God for you,” and share one way you see God’s grace at work in them. Let your words be a testimony of encouragement and thanksgiving.
Additionally:
- Check out today’s Daily Bible Reading, Joshua 7-8
- Explore How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners)
- Romans 5:3-4 – Finding Hope Through Thanksgiving
- Philippians 2:14-15 – Gratitude That Shines
- James 1:2-4 – Faith That Endures the Test
