Title: Gratitude is God's Will
Contents
The content of the text is 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Next week is Thanksgiving Day. The Feast of Harvests is based on the commandment of God when He gave the land of Canaan to the Israelites, “You must observe the Feast of Harvest” (Exodus 34:22). Therefore, on Thanksgiving Day, you must prepare the best gift of thanksgiving with all your heart and offer it with faith. Then you will surely reap what you sow. You should sow for yourself and also for your children. As stated in today's text, it is God's will to live with thanksgiving. It is the will of God, my Father. No matter how hard you work in your faith life, if it is not in accordance with the will of the Lord, it will be of no benefit. That is why, in Luke 22:41, Jesus prayed, “Nevertheless, not my will, but your will be done.” Heavenly Father's will is God's original heart that no one can offend, and God's will that no one can change. So Jesus obeyed and took up the cross. If you obey God's will, God will honor you. I pray that you will become children of Heavenly Father who live with thanks in everything.
“In everything give thanks” is written in the original Greek text as “εν παντι ευχαριστειτε (en panti eucarristate)”. The command to “give thanks” “ευχαριστειτε” is a verb that specifically commands thanks to God. “παντι”, translated as “everything,” implies a state of being of a level of faith as a word to give thanks in all things and under any circumstances. In Israel's exodus journey, they parted the Red Sea and made them cross. They thanked God for Pharaoh's army being buried in the Red Sea. Such gratitude and complaints (murmurings) were repeated countless times during the 40 years of their 40 years in the wilderness. In the end, those who trusted in God like Joshua and Caleb consistently entered the land of Canaan flowing with milk and honey. Couldn't get into the ground. “Let’s live with thanks! Hallelujah"
Live with gratitude in everything, even in order to get along with people who live with gratitude. Then it's annoying. If you have nothing to be grateful for, be grateful for something to be grateful for. There are conditions to be grateful for. Hallelujah!