Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”—1 Thessalonians 5:18
Our most valuable and enduring lessons are in the simple things we learned as children: To say “hello”, “please”, “may I”, and “thank you.” “Thank you” is such a simple phrase but it means so much. It speaks of gratitude, respect, and acknowledgement. A heartfelt “thank you” can go a long way in planting seeds for future kindness. Meanwhile, a heartless, begrudging “thank you” can deny us access to grace and blessings—with God and man, simply because we are ungrateful.
Thank you. It’s what we’re taught and expected to say when we receive something good or something we want. While life hasn’t been all good, Paul said give thanks in everything. Not some things, most things, or only in the pleasant things, but in all things. It’s not glossing over or ignoring the challenges life may bring; it’s making a conscious choice to focus on being grateful.
Giving thanks is a state of heart and mind that transforms our outlook and behavior to be open and receptive to see the good. It’s an infectiously positive attitude that allows us to view life through a different lens that isn’t visible otherwise.
Finally, Paul says giving thanks is the will of God for our lives. God calls us to give thanks, not to validate Himself or others. Instead, God tells us to be thankful because the act of thanksgiving prompts us to look at life with joy, peace, and contentment instead of sadness, dissatisfaction, and worry.
It’s God’s will to bring us to a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). A spirit and life focused on thanksgiving in all things prepares us to receive that hopeful future God promises. Have a spirit of thanksgiving, not simply one or two days a year, but live in thanksgiving every day, and see how that transforms attitudes, in you and others!
The Challenge: Commit to being truly thankful each day and see how it transform you and those around you!
“Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”—Ephesians 5:20
