I couldn't have made it without [fill in the blank]

Can we give thanks for ALL people?

Therefore I [Paul] exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men [people], for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, Who desires all men [people] to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4

At awards ceremonies, those in the entertainment business like to thank their agent, producer, parents, and usually a list of others who've helped them get to that place to be recognized.

We could also probably create a list of many people through the years who've influenced us a lot or a little, and we couldn't be who we are without them.

Paul's letter to Timothy advises those who pray to ALSO give thanks for those they're praying for. 1 Timothy 2:1

The Lord Jesus Christ wants His followers to pray for those who persecute them, too. Matthew 5:44-45

Yes, even their enemies. Luke 6:27-28

If you've ever had someone persecute or speak evil of you because you belong to Jesus, Matthew 5:11 you might have considered them to be an enemy.

So, you speak to the Father in supplications [requests with a sense of urgency], prayers, and intercessions about them. 1 Timothy 2:1

Then, Paul instructs us to not forget about giving thanks to the Father Ephesians 5:20 FOR THEM ALSO. 1 Timothy 2:1

In other words, we couldn't be where we are without this interaction with an enemy.

This is something to think about.

With the Father's help, we can thank Him for them because He so loved them, too, and gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, for them. John 3:16-17

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE ALONE

People coming to us, perhaps sent by the Father, can support us.

We couldn't have made it without them.

Nevertheless God, Who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus. 2 Corinthians 7:6

And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. Acts 28:15

MINISTRY PARTNERS, TOO

If we work with the Lord, 1 Corinthians 3:9; 15:58 mutually helping others is good. Psalm 133:1; Romans 1:11-12

But I [Paul] trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:19-21

I [Paul] implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Philippians 4:2-3

PARENTS

We've each had a biological mother and father.

We couldn't be here without them.

Can we honor and thank them?

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." Ephesians 6:1-3

SIBLINGS

If we have a sister or brother, whether it's been a good relationship or not, their lives have been part of ours to shape us, right or wrong, don't you think?

Jesus' own brothers didn't believe in Him at first.

So Jesus' brothers said to Him, "You should leave here and go to Judea so Your followers there can see the miracles You do. Anyone who wants to be well known does not hide what he does. If You are doing these things, show Yourself to the world." (Even Jesus' brothers did not believe in Him.) John 7:3-5

Later, James, one of the Lord's brothers, Galatians 1:19 became a leader in the church in Jerusalem. Acts 15:13-21; Galatians 2:9

SPOUSES

Many married people, if honest, will tell you that though there may have been times of trouble, 1 Corinthians 7:28 a spouse has been important to them.

He who finds a wife finds a good thing,

And obtains favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22

You will receive houses and wealth from your parents.

But a wise wife is given by the Lord. Proverbs 19:14

Will a husband try to love his wife as the Lord Jesus Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it? Ephesians 5:25

Will he try to love her as he loves his own body? Ephesians 5:28

Will he try to show her this love so that he isn't bitter toward her? Colossians 3:19

Notice that these Scriptures put the burden of love on the husband.

There's a burden of respect and submission [put him first, adapt to him] of a wife to her husband as doing it to the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:22-24

There's a burden of mutual respect [submission] toward all. Ephesians 5:21

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5

If we work on submitting to each other FIRST, then maybe the specific instructions for wives and husbands could be better understood and done within this context of mutual submission.

CHILDREN

What about a child or children that you've been privileged to be with?

Children are a gift from the Lord; babies are a reward.

Children who are born to a young man are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.

Happy is the man who has his bag full of arrows.

They will not be defeated when they fight their enemies at the city gate. Psalm 127:3-5

ANIMALS

If you've loved a non-human and felt their love for you, this kind of relationship has been valuable.

"I couldn't have made it without my companion animals," some would say freely with tears.

Others have been heard to say, "I can relate to my pets more than to people."

It's hard to compete with the unconditional love of animals, isn't it?

HE IS GOOD TO ALL

God the Father is good to all and His tender mercies are over all His works. Psalm 145:9

Why?

His love is unconditional.

He showed His love toward all that while we were still sinners, the Lord Jesus Christ died and rose again for us. Romans 4:25; 5:6-8; 2 Corinthians 5:19

Whether non-humans, enemies, friends that sharpen Proverbs 27:17 and faithfully wound us, Proverbs 27:6 family, or whomever, if we pray for and give thanks for each of them, 1 Timothy 2:1-2

we might be able to see that they were and are from the Lord to help conform us into the fullness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Matthew 5:11-12; Romans 8:29; Ephesians 4:11-13; Hebrews 5:8

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17

Your thoughts?

R. Jason