“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17
It’s easy to be thankful when things are pleasant. But an attitude of gratitude requires intentional effort when life is hard and illness overwhelms. As a caregiver, how could I give thanks for diseases that robbed a dear woman of her memory or painfully stole the life of the man I loved?
Part of the answer is found in our perspective. We may not feel thankful for the diagnosis, but we can be grateful for the chance to serve someone in love. Though we can’t eliminate their pain, we can be grateful for the eternal focus the earthly distress has caused. It may be hard to thank God for physical suffering, yet we are glad for even the small blessings He gives each day.
Most of all, what we do as caregivers, we do in the name of Jesus. We love in His name, serve in His name, and encourage in His name. We pour out ourselves to others, and gratitude comes. Because of who we are in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of… Jesus” (Ephesians 5:20).
Part of the answer is found in our perspective. We may not feel thankful for the diagnosis, but we can be grateful for the chance to serve someone in love. Though we can’t eliminate their pain, we can be grateful for the eternal focus the earthly distress has caused. It may be hard to thank God for physical suffering, yet we are glad for even the small blessings He gives each day.
Most of all, what we do as caregivers, we do in the name of Jesus. We love in His name, serve in His name, and encourage in His name. We pour out ourselves to others, and gratitude comes. Because of who we are in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of… Jesus” (Ephesians 5:20).
Scripture Focus
Colossians 3:12-17
Insight
How can you change your perspective in your caregiving? Despite the circumstances, focus on the things for which you can give thanks!
Bible In A Year
- Ezekiel 5-6
- Psalm 133
- Galatians 3-4
