4 things persecuted Christians can teach us about gratitude

Mojtaba from Iran, Noor from Iraq, Seojun from North Korea and Racheal from Nigeria, among millions of other believers, can teach us what gratitude truly looks like–and why it’s so important in our lives as we mature in Christ.

Thankfulness puts our hearts in the necessary place to help us continue to see God and His hand in the middle of our trials.

In the midst of threats on their lives and despite the memories of dark prison cells, our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ understand that God has commanded His people to be grateful for a reason. Former Iranian house church leader Saman (now ministering in Turkey) recently participated in Open Doors’ trauma counseling for ex-prisoners where he confronted dark memories and deep wounds: “I am encouraged and thank God that you visit us, that my story is shared, and that people pray for me. You can’t imagine how much it means to me to know that I am not alone in this.”

Former Iranian house church leader Mojtaba (now ministering in Turkey) shares his gratitude for salvation and that “God opens us to a new life and a new hope.” Watch his story below:

Thankfulness defeats discontent and bitterness.

Noor and her family continue to be thankful in the midst of adversity.

Gratitude and contentment go hand-in-hand. Throughout Scripture (at least 100 verses referencing thanksgiving), we repeatedly see that God calls us to praise and thankfulness, knowing that we are sinners. We are prone to discontent and envy. As the Canadian-American theologian Harry Ironside said, “We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.”

Noor, an Iraqi Christian wife and mother,  was among the thousands of Christians who fled Qaraqosh when ISIS invaded. Two years ago, Noor returned with her family and is reworking to rebuild her life and her community. She understands the power of being thankful even when life is unjust: “We are thankful for every Christian in the world for thinking about us. And we are grateful that you are helping us, also with your prayers. So, thank you.”

Thanksgiving is not a once-a-year celebration.

Rather, giving thanks is a daily practice—one of the most distinctive marks of our faith. North Korean Christian Seojun (now a pastor in South Korea) knows that well. He met Jesus in an Open Doors safe house in China. “I am so thankful … It is not easy to carry on,” he says. “But I am trying my best to work for His Kingdom. I am trying to remember all your prayers and effort, and I am trying to live as God’s faithful servant.”

Watch Seojun’s story below:

Thankfulness places God over our lives and in the center of our hearts.

In the 17th century, preacher and author John Bunyan (best known for The Pilgrim’s Progress) wrote, “A sensible thanksgiving for mercies received is a mighty prayer in the Spirit of God. It prevails with Him unspeakably.” As  image bearers of God, we give Him glory, following Jesus’ call to abide in Him. Gratitude gives God His due and control over our lives. It acknowledges that He is the giver of all good gifts.

Nigerian believer Racheal John was one of 34 Christian women rescued from Boko Haram militants. She endured seven months captive in Nigeria’s Sambisa Forest: “I wish my eyes could see the people who sent this support to me. I don’t know what to say. One thing I will never forget about this gift is that I have brothers and sisters who care for me and who prayed for my rescue.”

This Thanksgiving as you celebrate and reflect, please also remember our persecuted family—our brothers and sisters who are living lives of gratitude in dark situations. We pray that you and your family will experience anew the Author of our thankfulness and His love that endures forever. 

*representatives names and photos used for security