Give Thanks

Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. (Romans 16:4 KJV)

Have you thanked God for those who risk their own necks for you? The ones before us as well as the ones who offer their necks for us now?

In fact, can you bring to mind some who did lay down their neck for you? In this verse Paul was speaking of Priscilla and Aquila, fellow tentmakers as well as a couple who held church meetings in their home. Do you have someone like that in mind?

Is it a family member that comes to mind? Perhaps one who served their country in the military, protecting their family as well as their country? Someone such as our Jack, who did not come home?

Perhaps someone outside of friends or family. But then could it have been for you that they laid down their own necks?

Christ did. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. (Matthew 18:11 KJV)

That bears repeating: For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10 KJV)

Because He came, we need not be lost, for He promises That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:15 KJV)

We can give thanks for Him, too. For those who brought His life to us. For those we need to tell about Him. We can give thanks for the opportunity to share His story with those we love, those we'll meet, not yet known to us.

Which names come to mind when you read: We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, (Colossians 1:3 KJV)

I can easily confirm that I Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; (Ephesians 1:16 KJV)