Gratitude for the Gospel and the Grace of Ministry

November naturally turns our hearts toward gratitude. We thank God for family, provision, and the daily mercies that sustain us. But as pastors and gospel servants, our thanksgiving must run deeper still—to the grace that called us out of darkness and the mercy that placed us into ministry.

Paul reminds Timothy, “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy” (1 Timothy 1:12–13). Every pastor can echo that confession. None of us earned our place in ministry. We stand in pulpits, sit at hospital bedsides, and lead God’s people not because of pedigree or performance but because of grace. Paul never got over that—and neither should we.

When gratitude fades, ministry becomes mechanical. The call becomes a career, and the flock becomes a burden. But when gratitude burns bright, even hardship becomes soil for spiritual growth. Every sermon prepared, every prayer offered, every tear shed over wandering sheep becomes a fresh reminder of the gospel we preach—that God delights to use weak vessels to display the surpassing power of his grace.

Romans 15:15–16 gives us a beautiful picture of gospel gratitude in ministry: “By the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God.” Paul viewed his ministry not as a right but as a grace—a gift to serve the gospel. Brothers, what a mercy that we have been entrusted with such a sacred stewardship! The Lord not only saved us but invited us into his ongoing work of redemption.

This Thanksgiving season, let’s pause and remember: the greatest thing about being a pastor is not the platform we stand on but the Person we proclaim. Jesus Christ—the Chief Shepherd—walks beside us. He equips us with his Spirit, sustains us by his Word, and promises that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.

So, let’s rekindle that sense of gratitude that despite our unworthiness, we’ve been given this ministry. Let’s thank God that sinners like us are not only forgiven but called to proclaim forgiveness to others. Let’s be amazed that we get to open our Bibles each week, stand before God’s people, and declare the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Perhaps this month you feel weary, unappreciated, or stretched thin. Remember again the gospel that first set your heart aflame. The same mercy that saved you still sustains you. The same grace that called you still carries you. And the same Savior who began this work in you will bring it to completion.

Brothers, may our hearts be freshly stirred to gratitude—not only for the gospel we preach but for the privilege of preaching it. This is grace upon grace.