A Thanksgiving Message: Living with Gratitude

by Global Methodist Church on November 27, 2024

As we reflect on the many blessings of this year, we are reminded of the Apostle Paul’s call in Colossians 3:17 to live a life of gratitude. Gratitude is not bound to a particular day or culture; it is a posture of the heart that transcends borders, languages, and traditions. Paul’s words invite us to carry a spirit of thanksgiving into every word and action, recognizing the presence and provision of God in all circumstances.

The Global Methodist Church is a growing, worldwide connection of believers committed to spreading scriptural holiness across the globe. From Africa to Asia, from the Americas to Europe, we see God moving powerfully through faithful individuals, congregations, and Annual Conferences. Together, we are united by a shared mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ and bring His light to every corner of the earth.

This year, we give thanks for the vibrant diversity of the Global Methodist Church and the ways God is working through His people. Every congregation, every act of service, and every prayer offered represents a testimony to the love of Christ alive within our global community. We celebrate how God is using the Global Methodist Church to transform lives and extend His Kingdom.

One remarkable reflection of this unity in mission is the overwhelming generosity of our members. Through your sacrificial giving, we have raised over one million dollars for hurricane relief efforts, providing hope and support to those impacted by natural disasters. This milestone is a testimony to the heart of Christ moving among us—a heart that compels us to care for one another, regardless of geography or circumstance. While this achievement is a reason for gratitude, it is just one example of how God is using our connectional church to bring healing and restoration.

Gratitude, however, is not only found in major milestones. It is present in the daily faithfulness of believers around the world: the quiet prayers for a neighbor, the hospitality extended to a stranger, the perseverance in ministry despite challenges. Thanksgiving is not confined to a specific time or tradition; it is a way of life that honors God in every act and word done in the name of Jesus.

As we reflect on the blessings of this year—both seen and unseen—let us take a moment to give thanks for the global family we are privileged to be part of in the Global Methodist Church. Let us also ask ourselves how we might live out this gratitude in our daily lives, whether through acts of kindness, service, or renewed devotion to Christ. In doing so, we embody Paul’s call to "do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

As we close, we invite you to join us in prayer, a prayer we offer for every member, every congregation, and every Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church around the world:

Gracious God, we come to You with hearts full of thanks. We thank You for the many ways You are working through the Global Methodist Church to bring hope, healing, and holiness across the globe. Bless every congregation, every member, and every mission effort. Help us to live with grateful hearts, reflecting Your love in all we do. May every word we speak and every act we perform be done in Your name, giving thanks through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We pray Your peace, provision, and presence over all who gather in Your name, wherever they may be. Strengthen our unity as a global church and guide us in spreading Your light to the ends of the earth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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