Giving Thanks in Everything 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Paul the apostle gave the Thessalonians several short, important directives as he completed his first letter to them. In addition to “rejoicing evermore” and “praying without ceasing”, Paul told them to “know” them who “labor among”, “are over” and “admonish” them. They were also to “warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men” and they were not to “render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among” themselves “and to all men”. In chapter five and verse eighteen of his letter, Paul told the Thessalonian church members “the will of God” was for them to “give thanks” “in everything” where we read:

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

The verse begins, “In every thing give thanks:...” Paul began with the words, “In every thing” which means “each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone” “give thanks” which is the Greek word “eucharisteō” and means “to be grateful, feel thankful, express gratitude towards”. In other words, in “each and every” experience, situation and circumstance the Thessalonians faced, they were to be grateful and thankful.

The verse continues, “...for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Paul went on to add the reason the Thessalonians were to give thanks in everything as he wrote, “for this” which refers to “the idea of being grateful and thankful” “is the will” or “what one wishes or has determined shall be done, the purpose of God to bless mankind through Christ, what God wishes to be done by us, choice, inclination, desire and pleasure” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “in Christ” which means “anointed” and is “the Messiah and Son of God”, “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and is “the Savior of mankind, God incarnate” “concerning” or “to, towards, for and among” “you” which refers to the Thessalonian church members. God's “will” for the Thessalonians was for them to “give thanks” “in every thing” in which they were involved.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we find quite the challenge within them. Are we really to “give thanks” - “in everything”? The simple answer is “yes”. Paul said “this is the will of God in Christ Jesus” for not only the Thessalonians, but also for us. We are to be a grateful and thankful people, and if we have ever wondered what “the will of God” is for our lives, this states it very clearly. No matter what our present conditions may be, we are to “give thanks”. We need the help of our Lord Jesus to do this because it seems impossible to be continually thankful, and yet, this is “God's will” for us. May we take comfort in this, God will never lead us without equipping us with the ability to accomplish that which He desires, and when we find ourselves lacking in that which He wants, we may be “thankful” that His Holy Spirit has an adequate supply of what we need.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians not to “quench the Spirit”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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