IN EVERYTHING, GIVE THANKS

The title “In Everything, Give Thanks” is taken from 1 Thessalonians 5:18. In verse 17, Christians are asked to pray without ceasing. Thus, in our prayers, we are also to remember to give thanks for everything. In our daily prayers we make known requests, supplications, our troubles and our difficulties in life to our God. However, have we forgotten to give thanks that we are able to make these requests to God and give thanks for what God may have done for us?  We can never have any reason not to praise God and to give thanks (c.f. Colossians 3:17b).

So what should we give thanks for? We should be thankful in every condition - even in adversity as well as prosperity (Philippians 4 :6). We must be thankful to God for both the spiritual and physical blessings. A true attitude of thankfulness is one that appreciates even the small things that others do for us. Without that sense of appreciation and gratitude for small things, we risk being unthankful even for big things.

Let's look at some examples.

First, as a Christian, we should give thanks to God for Chirst who was a sacrifice by dying on the cross so that mankind can be saved (Colossians 1:13-14). We should be thankful (Colossians 3:15). We should be thankful for God's mercy for God is good and His mercy endureth for ever (1 Chronicles 16:34; Psalm 106:1).

Second, we should give thanks for our brethren around us who believe in God (2 Thessalonians 2 :13). As brethren, we are able to help each other through prayers, in teaching each other, caring for each other and encouraging one another in the faith. We should give thanks for we are able to pray and make our requests to God (Philippians 4:6). We have confidence that God will hear our prayers and help us.

Next, we can give thanks to God for our daily physical blessings. Have we taken the peace we have in this part of the world for granted? Peace comes from God (cf. John 14:27). Are we ungrateful when our prayers are answered or when we are healed? In Luke 17:12-19, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one of them came back to thank Him. Are we thankful when we may lose some physical item and someone returns it to us? Are we thankful to God for this great person? In addition, do we give thanks for the daily provisions we have such as food, jobs, studies, safety, etc.?

Last, let's be reminded to always be grateful and give thanks to God for everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18) for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. In whatever we do, let us give thanks to God the Father through Jesus (Colossians 3:17).

Ask Yourself:

1. What can we give thanks for?

2. What are we to give thanks for?

3. Who should we give thanks to?

Suggested Answers:

1. Everything

2. Both spiritual and physical blessings

3. To God