In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul says, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." That simple, direct statement allows us no excuses whatsoever for ungratefulness. "In everything" (v. 18a) refers to all that occurs in life. It might be translated, "In every circumstance." As a Christian, no matter what struggles you may face, no matter what trials you may go through, you are to give thanks. "In everything give thanks" (v. 18a). As a Christian, you are to have a constant thankfulness about you.
Romans 8:28 gives us the basis for this principle: "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." It is God who "causes all things to work together for good… according to His purpose" (v. 28). It is God who is at work in you and in your life. Trust Him. He will see you through all circumstances of life and bring good out it. It is God who causes you to be thankful in all circumstances of life, knowing that whatever happens fits into His eternal purpose for you. Therefore, "in everything give thanks" (1 Thess. 5:18a).
Paul's statement, "for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (v. 18b), refers to all three of these commands in verses 16, 17, and 18. It is the will of God that all who are in Christ Jesus should express constant joy, constant prayer, and constant thanksgiving. That's who we are in Christ—people who are joyful, prayerful, and thankful at all times, every day. It is our way of life as Christians. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment