GIVE THANKS

GIVE THANKS

READ:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

In everything give thanks, for this
is the will of God in Christ Jesus
for you.  -1 Thessalonians 5:18.

In Lansing, Michigan, during the winter, we don't get many sunny days.  But last year God blessed us with one of those beautiful days, and it seemed that almost everyone was thanking God, except me.  As I left my office, a man said, "What a wonderful day we're having.  This is a gift from God!"  To which I replied, "Yes, but we're getting snow later this week."  What ingratitude!

In his letters, the apostle Paul helped his readers to develop a theology of gratitude.  He wrote about thanksgiving more often than any other New Testament author.  From the 23 times he used the word, we learn a few lessons about thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving was always directed toward God and never toward people.  People were gifts from God, and Paul thanked God for their growth, love, and faith (1 Corinthians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:2).

Thanksgiving is given through Jesus for everything (1 Colossians 3:15, 17).  Paul believed followers of Jesus could be thankful for everything because God is sovereign, and He is working things out for the believers' good (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

May we intentionally be aware of God's gifts all around us, and respond with gratitude.  In response to God's gifts, it's natural to say, "Thank You, Lord." -Marvin Williams

Lord, for days that are sunny or gray we simply
want to say, Thank you!  And for the daily grace
You give us in Your Son, may we always be faithful
to say, Thank You!  You are so good to us.
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Gratitude is a natural response to God's grace.

INSIGHT
Today's reading includes this reminder, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will fo God in Christ Jesus for you" (v.18).  In the 16th century, George Herbert expressed his thanksgiving in prayer:  "Thou hast given so much to me, give one thing more, a grateful heart; not thankful when it pleaseth me, as if Thy blessings had spare days, but such a heart whose pulse may be They praise."  In the 20th century, C.S. Lewis reflected:  "We ought to give thanks for all fortune:  if it as good, because it is good, if bad, because it works in us patience, humility and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country."  No matter what the circumstance, the believer is to give thanks.

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace