1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 (CSB)
14 And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Unpacking 3-Princples Concerning An Attitude of Gratitude:
- Gratitude is always to be expressed
- “Rejoice always” (vs. 16a) commands that we are to have an ongoing attitude of gratitude.
- “Pray without constantly” (vs. 16b) suggests a mental attitude of prayerfulness, continual personal fellowship with God, and consciousness of being in His presence throughout each day.
- “Give thanks” (vs. 18) affirms that followers of Jesus are to be marked by thanksgiving.
- A grateful person will be a happier person.
- A grateful person will be a healthier person.
NOTE #1: Gratitude is not an option; it is an obligation. Having an attitude of gratitude is never tied to what we have or who we are, it is a result of who God is and what He has done for us.
- Gratitude should never be limited
- Paul says to give thanks ''in everything” (vs. 18) (not in most things or in good things.)
- Thanksgiving has nothing to do with feelings.
- We are not commanded to ''feel grateful.''
NOTE #2: Paul had been beaten, whipped, imprisoned, shipwrecked, stoned, and left for dead. Yet he said, ''give thanks in everything''
A Practical Outlook on Gratitude:
- Be grateful for the blessings of life- God's greatest blessings are oftentimes found in the smallest things.
- Be grateful for the burdens of life - 2 Corinthians 4:15-16 says, “Indeed, everything is for your benefit so that, as grace extends through more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to increase to the glory of God.16 Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.”
- Be grateful for the benefits of life - Psalm 103:2 says, “My soul, bless the Lord,
and do not forget all his benefits.”
NOTE #3: We should be grateful for the blessings, burdens, AND the benefits!
- Gratitude is what’s expected of us.
- (vs. 8) “Give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
- Gratitude is a real test of our character.
Why An Attitude of Gratitude is Important:
- It will shield us from cynicism (suspicion/doubt).
- It will protect us from pessimism (negativity).
- It will draw us closer to God, and it will draw God closer to us!
1 Timothy 4:4-5 (CSB)
4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.
An Attitude of Gratitude says:
- In the happy moments…I will Praise God
- In the difficult moments…I will Seek God
- In the quiet moments…I will Worship God
- In every moment…I will Thank God
