Give thanks in all circumstances

 A grateful heart is the result of being content in every situation. Grumbling is the outpouring of a discontent heart. Man’s greed knows no bounds; the more he gets, the more he wants. However, we seek the things above and run after them. We must be content and thankful in all circumstances, with the attitude that pleases God.

1 Th 5:13-18 『…Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circum-stances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.』

 “Give thanks in all circumstances” means “being thankful in every situation, whether favorable or unfavorable.” This is God’s will for us.

 Now, let’s look around at our brothers and sisters and carefully evaluate our current circumstance. Some of them set good examples to learn from, but some still have personality flaws and show unfavorable examples to avoid. Sometimes we are placed in favorable circumstances, and sometimes in unfavorable ones. 

However, all our circumstances are the most favorable ones caused by God for our spiritual profit. If we understand the will of God, we cannot thank God enough even though we thank Him ten million times a day.

1 Th 5:9 『For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.』

 God has called us into Zion and granted us salvation. What more do we look for? God has given us all the good things. So, we are to be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.