1 Thessalonians 5:16-18–Rejoice Always

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18–"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

In all circumstances.  The key to this passage lies in this simple, though neglected phrase: this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  In other words,  rejoicing, prayer and giving thanks are the very things God desires from us.  The real trick is to apply these practices to every and all circumstances, to pray when we would rather not, to rejoice when life is joyless, and to give thanks when there seems to be nothing worthy of thankfulness.  Let us commit to do these things so as to fulfill God's will in our own lives.

1 Thes. 5:15–Do Good to One Another and Everyone

1 Thessalonians 5:15–"See to it that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone."

It is, unfortunately, perfectly natural for anyone of us to have a retributive bent.  After all, it is far more normal for us to wish ill will on those who have wronged us or to make enemies of those who have treated us as such.  However, in Christ we are called to adhere to another type of ethic altogether.  We are called to love, to truly love one another.  This is, to be sure, more difficult than the former but it is the right and the godly way to live.  Let us love then when we are confronted and bombarded with evil, and in so doing live as Christ.

God's Will Put Simply

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Being a simplistic creature, I prefer things to be spelled-out unequivocally.  This verse is just that sort of direct statement for us.  It is a straightforward, unflinching declaration for the believer: rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances.  So simple to read, but an equally difficult thing do.

Today or tomorrow, from the moment you awake (speaking to myself too), set yourself a conviction and commitment to do just what this passage exhorts us to do: to rejoice always and be thankful no matter the circumstances.  Let us commit to this task and be sure to please the Lord by carry out His will!