Thanking God For Faith

As Christians, it may feel to us as though we believe in Jesus Christ for salvation out of our own free wills. However, in several places in his writings, the Apostle Paul thanks God for the faith—and love, which is a fruit of true saving faith—that he observes in his fellow Christians. Paul saw their faith, but he thanked God because he knew where that faith ultimately came from: God himself.

Romans 6:17 But thank God that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart the type of teaching [i.e., the gospel] to which you were delivered.

Ephesians 1:15–16 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.

Colossians 1:3–4 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints;

Philemon 1:4–5 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,

2 Thessalonians 1:3–4 We ought to thank God always regarding you, brothers, just as it is proper, because your faith is increasing, and the love of each one of you all is abounding for one another.