How can we express gratitude for being "chosen from the beginning"? Chosen from the Beginning: a Cause for Overflowing Gratitude “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning to be saved, by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth.” Understanding the Gift • Eternal initiative: “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). • Purposeful love: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you” (John 15:16). • Secure salvation: “Those He foreknew, He also predestined… justified… glorified” (Romans 8:29-30). • Spirit-empowered growth: “By the sanctification of the Spirit” (2 Thessalonians 2:13). Ways to Express Gratitude for Being Chosen • Heartfelt praise – Begin and end each day echoing Paul’s words: “We ought always to thank God.” – Sing Psalms that celebrate election, e.g., Psalm 103:1-5. • Joyful obedience – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). – Let obedience flow from gratitude, not grudging duty. • Pursuit of holiness – “As the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness…” (Colossians 3:12). – Invite the Spirit to continue His sanctifying work (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Bold proclamation – Share the good news that the same grace that found you is offered to all (Acts 1:8). – View evangelism as an act of thanksgiving, not obligation. • Steadfast perseverance – “Walk worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12). – Trials become opportunities to display confidence in the One who chose you (James 1:2-4). • Active service – Use gifts “to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). – Gratitude becomes tangible when it meets real needs. • Corporate worship – Join the church in “proclaiming the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness” (1 Peter 2:9). – Celebrate election together at the Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 11:26). Living a Thank-You Life Every act of praise, obedience, holiness, witness, endurance, service, and gathered worship sends a clear message: “Father, thank You for choosing me from the beginning.” Let gratitude color every thought and deed, turning your whole life into a continuous hymn of thanksgiving. |
    |