I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 1: 4-9

I once worked with a man whose greatest strength was his ability to always look for the best in every situation.  It was one of the characteristics that made him easy to follow, but often his strength turned into weakness as he avoided anything negative.

Today, some may find the message of the Gospel is irrelevant because it often challenges the larger culture around us.

Paul recognized that the culture of Corinth was at odds with the church and the church had a number of problems, but it is important to note that Paul recognized that the church in Corinth had many great gifts. As Paul begins his letter, he first gave thanks for the gifts God gave the church in speech and knowledge, and spiritual gifts. The Corinthian church had many positives, but those same strengths became weaknesses that led to a lack of unity in the church.

When was the last time any of us gave thanks for God’s work in our lives? Let’s take this moment to consider the specific gifts that God has given you in your life and give Him thanks.