Thankful for Family and Loved Ones
So today, thank God for the people who have shaped your life.
Thanksgiving is here! (Almost). Our daughter and her boyfriend arrived from Florida last night. Our son and daughter-in-law will be spending the day with us tomorrow. Our moms are here with us. We are all going out together on Saturday to pick out the family Christmas tree. It’s going to be a great few days here at the Allen house.
Family is one of God’s quiet gifts. We rush through life, handle responsibilities, and push through long days, but the people God has placed around us are often the ones who keep us steady.
Solomon wrote, “Two are better than one… if either falls, his companion can lift him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). God never meant for us to face life alone. He gives us people, family, close friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, who help carry our joys and burdens.
None of our relationships are perfect. Every family has its struggles. Every friendship has its moments. But love, shared life, and the simple blessing of being known are gifts from God. Paul reminds us to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11), because these relationships matter more than we often admit.
Many of you have one or more of these people who God has put in your life:
A spouse who has stood with you through good and bad.
Children or grandchildren who bring joy and purpose.
Parents who shaped your faith and character.
Siblings and extended family who share your history.
Close friends who feel like family.
Mentors who spoke truth when you needed it.
These are gifts. Every one.
We get so busy that we forget to say simple words like “thank you,” “I appreciate you,” or “I’m glad you’re in my life.” Gratitude slows us down. It helps us see the blessing instead of the irritation. It softens our hearts and strengthens our relationships.
James reminds us that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). That includes the people we love the most. The ones who make life richer. The ones who hold us up when we’re tired. The ones who celebrate our victories and walk with us through loss.
So today, thank God for the people who have shaped your life. Pray for them. Reach out to them. Enjoy them. Don’t wait for the perfect moment to show appreciation. Use this moment.
Family and loved ones are among the greatest blessings God gives. And thankfulness helps us hold those relationships with care, humility, and joy.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Brother,this message is such a warm reminder of how gently God surrounds us with His blessings through the people we love Psalm 100:4 says Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise give thanks to Him and praise His name and that is exactly what happens when we pause to thank God for the precious people He has placed in our lives Family truly is one of God’s quiet gifts Even in the rush of life,He places people beside us to lift us,steady us,and walk with us.Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says Two are better than one…if either of them falls,the one will lift up his companion reminding us that God never intended us to journey alone And yes,our relationships aren’t perfect,yet even in the imperfections we see love,grace,and God’s shaping hand.1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to encourage one another and build each other up and gratitude helps us do that with a softer heart and a clearer spirit.Every person who pours into our life spouse,children,parents,siblings,friends,mentors is a gift from God James 1:17 says Every good and perfect gift is from above and that includes the people who strengthen us,carry us,pray for us,and celebrate us.So today,thank God for them.Pray for them Reach out to them.Love them deeply and intentionally Thankfulness helps us hold our relationships with grace,humility,and joy.Happy Thanksgiving,brother May God fill your home with His peace and loving presence.