As the U.S. heads into the Thanksgiving week, many preachers, teachers, parents, and people in general are quoting a portion of 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances.” This is a very good thing to do, to give thanks in all circumstances, but this phrase is only a small part of a whole thought. The entire sentence begins in verse 16, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” As we can see, giving thanks in all circumstances is tied specifically to 2 other things a Christian does.

The Christian is called to rejoice or be delighted, pleased, or glad all the time. To be able to rejoice always is an attitude the Christian is called to establish in their life. There is something important about the way our attitude reflects the glory of God. Who wants to hear the Good News from someone who is grumpy all the time? The one who lives life in a continuously glad state will win many souls for the Lord.

Next, the Christian is called to pray without ceasing. The prayers here refer specifically to the prayers offered to God and the idea presented is that we are to be in constant communication with our Lord. If we’re constantly speaking to God, we find immediate relief as burdens come our way. The result is that we can be continuously glad.

This brings us to giving thanks in all circumstances. The giving of thanks is the idea that the Christians always finds themselves grateful for whatever circumstance they are in. This only happens for the Christian when they have established the proper mindset and are in constant communication with God. I would even go as far as to argue that this is the only way to be grateful in all circumstances.

This sentence ends with, “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” The will of God, through Jesus our savior, is that His people live a peaceful and grateful life. How Christians choose to live their daily life will be noticed by those around us. What will those in our families and communities notice about us Christians during these coming holidays? May we “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances.” Why? Because it is “the will of God in Christ Jesus for you,” His people.