1 Thessalonians Chapter 5
By Pastor Neil
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18
Living a Thankful Life
Paul wrote this interesting letter to the Thessalonians in order to help them with some difficulties they were having. It is interesting to read the letter and imagine what was happening that caused Paul to write them as he did. Reading other people’s mail is not something we do all of the time, but in this case it’s ok.
The passage I thought we might like to look at as we beginning our “Thanksgiving Week” this Monday is a very warm, encouraging one. I thought it might be interesting to give ourselves a small assignment for each day, using the thoughts Paul has put into this letter. Here is what I propose:
Monday: v. 14: “…warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” This is a busy week—no sitting around, doing nothing. It’s time to be thankful and not be “idle” about it. Do for someone who can’t return the favor to you, the “timid” one in your life. Help someone who needs some help, who can’t do for themselves what needs to be done. And while you are at it, be “patient” with everyone. That will be a great challenge.
Tuesday: v. 15: “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else”. For this day, go ahead and take the loss and just “let it go” if you have something against someone else. Make it your Thanksgiving gift in honor of all that Christ has forgiven you. And sprinkle kindness throughout the day wherever you go and to whomever you speak. Do it purposefully and thankfully.
Wednesday: v. 16-17: “Be joyful always, pray continually…” Determine for this day that you will see the joy in whatever you do. Perhaps you have a lot to do to get ready for the Thanksgiving gathering at your home or to be held somewhere else. Don’t forget to insert “joy” into the tasks since they are your gift for those you love. And if this is a challenge, then “pray continually” as you go about your day. Let your “context” be that of a conversation with God—and let your life be an expression of that conversation.
Thursday: v. 18: “…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. This is the BIG DAY of the week, Thanksgiving Day! Whatever your circumstances for this day, let it be a day of thanksgiving. Do this purposefully and intentionally. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, this is just where God believes you can be and still give Him thanks. Just let the “thanksgiving” roll out of you, filling your conversation and your life all day long.
I’ll be praying for you that God will give you a wonderful week, one that demonstrates to God that you understand what He has done for you and that He wants you to give His love and forgiveness to others, just as He has for you. I am thankful for you today!
Click here to read 1 Thessalonians 5
