The gratitude of a discipler for his disciple is an essential part of disciple-making. Gratitude marked the apostle Paul’s relationship with his disciples as he enthusiastically told them of his appreciation. He wrote to the Thessalonians: How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? (1 Thessalonians 3:9)

Gratitude is much more than a “thank you,” it is a statement of the value God places on an individual. Although the communication of gratitude does not increase the worth of a person, it does remind him (and you) of his value in God’s eyes.

This Thanksgiving:

1. Thank the Lord for your disciple. (Don’t hesitate to tell your disciple that you express thanks to the Lord for him.)

2. Tell your disciple that you are grateful the Lord has brought him into your life and give him the specific qualities in his life that are meaningful to you.

3. Express your gratitude for your disciple to others. (Notice how Paul writes to others of his gratitude for his disciples. 1 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Corinthians 7:14) Just recently a friend told me how thankful he was for his wife and so that evening I sent her an email to tell her how her husband honors her before others.