Give thanks

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Introduction

Are we to give thanks for everything no matter how bad it is? Should we give thanks when a relative is taken away by a terminal illness? We might not be able to give thanks for everything, but we can do so in everything. Paul makes it very clear; giving thanks is the will of God for believers.

Thankfulness is a mark of a true believer

Though we are not expected to have thanksgiving in our hearts for the terrible things that happen in life, we can thank God for the many blessing and miracles He brings our way. “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). We cannot suppose that God is thankful for all the evil and wicked things that happen on earth, then surely He does not expect it of us either.

We need to take the time to think about all the good things the Lord has done for us instead of dwelling on calamities and suffering. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's” (Psalm 103:1-5).

Those who stop thanking and praising God soon fall away to a life of disobedience and sin. “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:21) … “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

The thankful have the nature of Christ

The Lord Jesus Christ knew exactly what was going to happen to Him on the cross, but He maintained an attitude of thankfulness throughout. “And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it” (Mark 14:22-23). This was more than a simple saying of grace before a meal, because His whole life was one of thanksgiving. “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (Matthew 11:25) … “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me” (John 11:41) … “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

Thanksgiving is the will of God

Prayer and thankfulness go hand in hand. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). Therefore the one who comes before God in prayer, will also return unto Him with thanksgiving. This part of God’s will extends to every part of our lives. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). Ought we not continually thank Him for the salvation He purchased for us through the blood of Christ? “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).

Conclusion

Who were the people that Paul was encouraging to give thanks? They were being persecuted; some were tempted to give up. They suffered opposition from Roman authorities, pagans and Jewish religious leaders. But Paul insisted that they thank God. If we are the children of God, then nothing comes to us for which we cannot give thanks. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Thankfulness is an act of faith on our part, especially when things appear to be going wrong. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).