Give Thanks for People

October 8, 2026

Opening Prayer

Lord, as we come to Your Word, open our minds to understand, open our ears to truly hear, and open our spirits to receive whatever You want to speak today. Let these Scriptures shape us, steady us, and remind us of Your goodness.  Amen.

Bible Reading

Philippians 1:3–5

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”

Reflection

There are moments in life when God’s love arrives quietly—through a conversation, a helping hand, a listening ear, or a person who simply shows up when we need them most.

Paul understood this deeply. Writing from prison, Paul didn’t begin his letter to the Philippians with frustration or fear. He began with gratitude: “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

The people in Philippi had become a gift in Paul’s life. Through their prayers, generosity, friendship, and partnership in the gospel, they had encouraged him and strengthened him. The Apostle Paul chose to remember the people God had placed in his life. I want to suggest to us today that is a powerful Thanksgiving practice.

Sometimes when we think of gratitude we think of the list of things we have: our homes, our health, our food, our possessions, our opportunities. But some of God’s greatest gifts do not come in packages.

They come as people. Think about the people God has placed in your life. Some have encouraged you when you were discouraged. Some have stood beside you during difficult seasons. Some have listened when you simply needed someone to hear you. Some have believed in you when you weren't sure you could keep going. Some have challenged you to grow, even when their words weren't easy to hear. And some have simply shown up.

God often cares for us through the people around us. In these moments, we experience holy moments, where we are reminded that God's love often reaches us through the hands, words, presence, and kindness of other people.

I will admit that not everyone who has shaped us has made life easier. Some people have challenged us. Some have disagreed with us. Some have helped us see things from a perspective we hadn't considered. Some relationships have stretched us and helped us become more patient, compassionate, humble, or courageous. Yet, even those people can become gifts God uses to shape our lives.

Paul's gratitude wasn't simply about what the Philippians had done for him. He was grateful for who they were and for the relationship they shared in Christ.

So this Thanksgiving, perhaps one of the most meaningful things we can do is simply remember.

Who encouraged you this year?
Who helped you through a difficult moment?
Who challenged you to grow?
Who made you laugh when you needed it?
Who prayed for you?
Who believed in you?
Who has impacted your life in a way you have never fully acknowledged?

Perhaps there is someone who comes to mind right now. Don't let that gratitude remain only a thought. Tell them. Tell them specifically what their presence has meant to you.

But Paul's words point us even further. Notice what he says:

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”

Paul's gratitude for people ultimately became gratitude to God. The people in our lives are gifts, but God is the giver. So when we thank God for the people around us, we are recognizing something beautiful: God has been caring for us through them.

So today let's:

Remember the people.
Give thanks for their presence.
And then, whenever possible, let them know.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the people You have placed in my life. Thank You for those who have encouraged me, supported me, challenged me, taught me, prayed for me, and walked beside me. Thank You for the people who have shown up when I needed them most. Forgive me for the times I have taken people for granted. Help me to notice the ways Your love reaches me through others. Help me to become a source of encouragement, grace, and blessing to others as well. Amen.

Application

Think of one person who has made a difference in your life this year.

Ask yourself:

“What specifically am I grateful for about this person?”

Then tell them. Send a text. Make a phone call. Write a note. or maybe best Sit down over coffee. Don't simply say, “Thanks for everything.” Tell them why you are grateful for them. And perhaps begin with Paul's words: “I thank my God every time I remember you.”