1 Thessalonians 5:18, In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
How many of us know that there is something wonderful about giving thanks and having a grateful heart!
The Apostle Paul gives us some profound wisdom in this short verse of scripture, that we should always give thanks for all things! Not just during a time of the Thanksgiving holiday, but in all things!
Why? Because God is the giver of all good things and the scripture says in James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
In other words, everything we have achieved, attained, and accomplished is by the grace of God!
So, we should always give thanks to the LORD! I can recall as a child, that my mom would always make sure my brothers and I, said thanks for even the small things.
She wanted to instill in us the importance of being grateful and thankful for anything that was done for us, or we received!
This is something I have never forgotten, and I truly believe that through God’s grace, blessings upon blessings are released upon us, when we give God glory and thanks for all that he has done and will do in our lives!
All throughout scripture, especially in the Psalms we see the saints giving God thanks for his goodness, grace, mercy, kindness, compassion and love that never fails! Check out these scriptures!
Psalm 92:1 A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath Day. It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High.
Psalm 97:12 Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
Psalm 105:1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!
Psalm 106:1 Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
What is interesting is that Paul says, “This is the will of God concerning you!” This is very interesting, but what it means is that it is God’s will that we always have a thankful heart and spirit.
We should never take for granted the goodness of God, because God created all things, and all good things came from him!
Not only that, but we should be grateful to anyone that blesses our lives, or even for kind acts of service toward us!
We should never take God’s blessings for granted and likewise, we should never take anyone’s kindness for granted!
This is something we should never forget! Regardless of whether you are six years old or sixty years old!
Because truth be told, when we think about the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s not so much about Pilgrims and Plymouth Rock, but it’s about the Rock of our Salvation, Jesus Christ, who is the giver of every good and perfect thing!
Brothers and Sisters, it is God’s will for his beloved children to be thankful, grateful and kind to one another.
During this holiday season and throughout the year, show someone grace, unconditional love, kindness, and always be thankful, even for the smallest things!
God Bless! Pastor Quinn