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Philippians 1:3–5 — “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Paul’s letters overflow with gratitude for the churches he served. His words to the Philippians show a shepherd’s heart filled with joy as he remembered their fellowship in the gospel. Gratitude for the church is a central theme of his ministry.

Paul thanked God every time he remembered them. Gratitude was his reflex, not resentment. Even when churches struggled, he chose to focus on God’s grace at work. Gratitude looks for God’s hand in His people, not their flaws.

The source of his joy was their fellowship in the gospel. They were not mere acquaintances but partners in ministry. Gratitude for the church grows when we see one another as fellow laborers for Christ, not simply as consumers of ministry.

For pastors, gratitude for the church guards against bitterness. Ministry has challenges, but remembering the joy of fellowship sustains the heart. For the flock, gratitude for the church transforms attitudes. It replaces criticism with encouragement and division with unity.

Paul’s prayerful gratitude also reveals the connection between thanks and intercession. He prayed with joy for those he thanked God for. Gratitude and prayer together strengthen bonds of love.

The church is not perfect, but it is Christ’s bride, His body, His beloved. Gratitude for the church honors Christ, who gave His life for it.

Let us join Paul in thanking God for our church. Every remembrance, every prayer, every act of gratitude strengthens fellowship in the gospel.