Giving Thanks for All

By Words of Hope, Thursday, November 23, 2006

Read: Genesis 37:1-11 So his brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind. (v. 11)

Today is Thanksgiving Day and the message of the day is that we should all be thankful. Indeed, we all have much for which we should be thankful. The apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that we are to "give thanks in all circumstances." Certainly that is quite a challenge.

The brothers of Joseph were not very thankful for their little brother. He was a pain in the neck. He was arrogant. Who did he think he was with that attitude of superiority? Jacob didn't help matters either by doting on his obviously favorite son by giving him a special coat. Jealously they wondered, "Why does he have everything so good?"

It is a very difficult thing to appreciate some people. They may irk us or irritate us. They may be arrogant or pushy. They may have far more possessions than we do. Still, as Christians we are to love everyone.

As you count your blessings this Thanksgiving, think of someone who is hard for you to love. Try to find at least one good characteristic of that person and give thanks for him or her.

Prayer: Lord, you made all kinds of people. Help me to appreciate even those who are hard for me to love. Amen.

Used with Permission