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 spiritual 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

During my thirty-plus years of working in a selling environment, management generally makes a commitment to two points when exhorting or challenging a team member’s performance. First, there is a positive comment, looking to find something good before the second point, which is intended to point out the need for change in a particular area.

So, while much of his letter is intended to correct and exhort the church, 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.