GIVE THANKS...!!!

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God”. Phil 1:1-11
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The beginning of this letter from Paul to the church of Philippi shows a remarkable side of Paul’s character: GRATITUDE. Even though he had a very traumatic life since he became a Christian he never failed to give thanks for everything and to everyone he was related with.

Academic studies have shown that grateful people are more optimistic, suffer less stress and, consequently, achieve better physical health and are more spiritually aware of the environment they are living in. Gratitude gives you a positive outlook of life.

Being grateful costs little but gives a wonderful boast. Here you have some suggestions:

1) Start thanking God and take some time during the day to think about what and who you are grateful for. Not only the good things but for the bad ones as well. We should look at them as challenges and opportunities to grow. It does not mean you have to pretend to be happy whilst going through difficult circumstances, it means to believe that God is always on our side (Jesus at Gethsemane is the best example of it).

2) Say “thank you” to those who have done something for you. If you feel shy to tell them face to face, find another way: send a card (Christmas time is just perfect for that); phone calls, text messages, emails, etc.

After sharing this, and not knowing whether I will come back from Venezuela or not next month, I would really like to put this teaching into practice. Firstly, I thank God for his faithfulness and care. Secondly, to the church, all of you who have been supporting me for the last few years. And finally, special thanks to Victoria Bastidas, who has been a pastor, friend and sister to so many people for long time, example of dedication, patience and humbleness, and Gerald MyHill for his academic support and advice that has made such a huge difference in these articles. Thank you very much indeed.

God bless you all.

Itala D’Ambrosio Silva.