Paul begins by reviewing who he was before giving his allegiance to Jesus. He opposed the followers of Jesus, and tried to stop them by persecution, arrest, and harassment. He marvels at God’s grace, and patience. And he winds up praying — giving thanks for God’s nature. God’s nature motivates, and activates, God giving attention to, and involvement in, the world.
We may not have opposed God’s word, and God’s people., like Paul did., but God has revealed himself to each one of us, and has involved himself in our lives, acting for us every day.
And, since God is active in us, with us, and through us, every day, combatting the world, the flesh, and the devil, by demonstrating, and proclaiming, his nature, his message, and his mission, then every day, there is something to be grateful for.
And giving thanks is one way of aligning our hearts with God. We are agreeing with God in his battle against the misery the enemy wishes to create. We agree with faith, hope, and love.
Giving thanks sees, and acknowledges, God’s active involvement in life, and events, big or small.
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