THURSDAY: LORD, I’M THANKFUL FOR RELATIONSHIPS

Aug 18, 2022
2 min read

Lord, I desire to thank You today for all the relationships You’ve brought to me and all the blessings You continue to bring to me. Thank You, Lord!

Colossians 3:18-4:1

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

I want to give thanks for each of my relationships, even though I know they are all imperfect. To the things Jesus calls me to do in each relationship, I want to give my best. I know I will never be able to submit, love, obey, encourage, or provide perfectly, but if I seek the Lord for His strength in each of these relationships, the other person will be blessed.

The words in this passage are not a list of rules or criticisms; on the contrary, they are symbols of the love and devotion we give the Lord and each other. These things please the Lord and draw each relationship closer together. If I pursue relationships with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord, then I will bless the Lord and also bless the other person.

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS: I’m the first to admit that these things aren’t always easy to do, but they are all worth pursuing wholeheartedly. If I’m thankful for every relationship, then each of these will come more easily. If I pray for my spouse, children, parents, employees, coworkers, and boss, then my heart will be transformed in each of these relationships, and I will desire the very actions described in the passage.

If I am thankful for all my relationships and follow His Divine instructions, I will be rewarded accordingly with blessings and peace in my heart. In the relationships that I don’t follow His instructions, I can expect to be repaid for my wrongs. Jesus doesn’t play favorites—if I disobey, I cannot expect Him to bless me or my relationships. Lord, I thank You today for every relationship You have called me to and ask You to bless it as I respond in obedience to You. I give You praise, so I can be thankful also!

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman