Does God Care if I’m Grateful?

In 1 Thessalonians the Apostle Paul makes an interesting comment during the final part of the letter. In chapter five, beginning in verse twelve, the Apostle gives a frenzied set of instructions that one might give to a child as they undertake their first solo drive after receiving their driver’s license. He covers a variety of topics such as how to treat those who labor among them, to make sure people don’t pay back wrong for wrong, and to be joyful and pray continually, before he lands on this week’s text. Through a short verse, the Apostle directs the Thessalonians to give thanks in all circumstances. 

This seems like a difficult, if not impossible, task. After all, when tragedy strikes, when we are mistreated, when everything seems to be against us, are we to be thankful for these circumstances? Furthermore, is this really God’s will?  This week we will talk about the spiritual discipline of celebration and how we are to cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving in all circumstances as obedient disciples of Jesus.

Grace & Peace,

Rev. Adam Thornton