Habits of a Thankful HeartSample

The Communion of Saints

All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. (Philippians 4:22)

On Thanksgiving Day, Christians gather in churches to thank God for their freedoms, including the freedom to worship. It’s something we often take for granted. But even as we celebrate this American holiday, it’s important to remember that we belong to a greater community: the global church.

Paul sends greetings to the Philippians from the saints in Caesar’s household. Being a Christian in Caesar’s household must have been dangerous; after all, Caesar required that he be worshiped as a god. Paul’s words remind the Philippians, and us, of the greater Christian community—that there are Christians faithfully witnessing in difficult and dangerous places across the world. As you worship, think of the church in places like Iran or North Korea. Remembering the global church can give us many reasons to be joyful and can encourage us to continue in our faith.

The communion of the saints extends both around the world and back through time. When you sit around the Thanksgiving table, imagine the cloud of witnesses joining you in praise and thanksgiving to God. You are part of a great and grand assembly of believers, some of whom have given their lives because they proclaimed Jesus as Lord. When you sing, picture the chorus of voices—some raised from prison cells, refugee camps, and hospital beds—joining in praise to the Father, Son, and Spirit.

Reflect: Remember those facing persecution. Thank God for their witness, and for our freedom to worship openly. 

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