In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NABRE
Paul writing to the community at Thessalonica is gently encouraging them to have confidence as the day of the Lord approaches and that they should go about their everyday lives in a calm responsible and loving manner. Paul points out the importance of a Christian example, particularly in the section with the quoted verse. This section comes near the end of the letter and Paul is giving some final instructions about Christian duties. The community is asked to respect those in the community who have the job of exercising authority and admonishing. Harmony among the members is to be maintained and Paul gives some brief exhortations those in charge should follow; admonish the insubordinate, cheer the discouraged, support the weak and show patience to all. Vengeance is to be avoided, and the good of all, Christian or not, is to be sought. Paul calls the members to rejoice, pray and give thanks, always and constantly. He asks for this because it is God’s will through Jesus Christ. Finally they should not quench the Spirit, but everything should be tested, the good of the Spirit is to be retained and evil is to be avoided.
In all things we should thank God, and rejoice. We should be convinced no matter what happens in our lives God can use if to help us grow, come closer to God and our community. God has turned the cross, the crucifixion of Christ, into goodness and joy for all who accept it. If God can turn such an instrument of hate and death into something good, than God can turn even the tragedies in our lives into good. So trusting in God’s plan for our lives we should be thankful and joyful always.
Are you joyful and thankful always? If God is in charge what do you fear can go wrong?
God has turned the cross, the crucifixion of Christ, into goodness and joy for all who accept it. If God can turn such an instrument of hate and death into something good, than God can turn even the tragedies in our lives into good. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #thanks #trust #Paul #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways