I thank my God

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”Philippians 1:3

Reflection

Paul writes to the Philippians from prison. He had every reason to begin the letter with complaints: chains, uncertainty, homesickness. But his first sentence, after the greeting, is one of gratitude: "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." Note the detail: he thanks God for people. Not for a gift, a circumstance or a material benefit, but for people he knew and loved. The remembrance of the Philippians, even from afar, was for him a reason for praise.

The expression "upon every remembrance" shows that gratitude was a habit. Each memory became a prayer of thanks. This teaches something practical: we can turn the remembering of people into prayer. The face that comes to mind, the name that appears, the memory of a conversation: instead of letting the recollection pass, we can stop and thank God for that life. It is a simple way of converting ordinary thoughts into communion with the Father.

It is worth noting also what Paul gives thanks for. Further on he explains: it was their partnership in the gospel, from the first day. He gave thanks for the help they sent him, for the faith, for the constancy. Gratitude for people makes us see how God sustained us through others. How many were used by Him to help, teach, correct, welcome us? Often they do not even know. When we thank God for someone, and also thank that person, we create firmer bonds and an atmosphere of recognition.

Do three things today. First, think of three people who have marked your life and thank God for each one, by name. Second, choose one of them and send a short message: "I remembered you and thanked God for your life." Third, during the day, whenever someone comes to mind, make a small prayer of thanks instead of letting the thought pass. You will notice that gratitude for people warms the heart, draws near and lights up even the hardest days. Paul did it in prison. We can do it too.

Bible text: King James Version (public domain).