Title Give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Those who know how to be grateful for even the smallest things are truly grateful. If we are only grateful for the big things, there will be very few things to be grateful for in our lives. To give thanks in everything means to be thankful for even the smallest things like this. In times of economic hardship like today, this attitude of life is more urgent than ever.
So, why should we live a life of gratitude?
First, because God is our Creator. It is a natural law and virtue to live a life that gives thanks to God, which was created by human beings. That is why, for the people of faith, gratitude becomes a measure of character and faith. Some commentators have said, "The vessel through which we can receive the peace, grace, and blessings that God gives us is a grateful heart." That is why Paul is teaching us to be thankful for everything. A heart of gratitude is a vessel that contains the happiness God gives.
Second, because God atoned for our sins through Jesus Christ, and He also gives us many benefits through Him. Without Jesus, we would have no choice but to be cursed and destroyed under the power of darkness. But when Jesus came to this earth, everything changed. Through Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection, we have a life of life. Not only that, but because the Holy Spirit, which the Lord has given us as a gift, dwells in us, we can experience a life of peace and gratitude. It is our duty to realize the grace of the Lord who has given us all these benefits and to live a life of gratitude.
Third, it is because God has given us a life to live by grace. God has given us a home, a job, a church, health, encounters, gifts, and beautiful nature to enjoy. That is why the psalmist is thankful to God the Creator, who allowed all things. Gratitude is a blessing that can only be felt by those who are in God.
Fourth, it is because God gives greater blessings, happiness, and power to those who give thanks. Paul and Silas originally planned a mission in Asia, but under the direction of the Holy Spirit, they went to Macedonia to preach the gospel. When he arrived at Philippi, he even healed a woman who had been possessed by a demon. However, the owner of the woman who used the money she had earned from divination as her own profit accused Paul and Silas and was put in prison. It was under the guidance of the Holy Spirit that they came to Philippi. How did Paul and Silas feel after being severely beaten and even imprisoned in return for such obedience? If you were an ordinary person, you would have resented God. But Paul and Silas sang, prayed, and gave thanks to God. Then what happened? An earthquake occurred and the work of God opened the prison gates. In this way, gratitude evokes God's spiritual work.
But what is the reason that it is difficult to live a life of gratitude even though we know that gratitude is important? That's because we didn't open our right eyes.
What, then, is the right eye that enables us to give thanks in all things?
It is only when you first open your eyes of faith that you can see gratitude. Valuable things are often hidden. That's why only those who are looking for it can see it. Likewise, you can see the grace and blessings God has given you when you seek it with deep faith. The eyes of prayer and the eyes of worship show thanks.
Second, you need to have an eye to look back in order to see gratitude. The Israelites followed Joseph and settled in the land of Goshen in Egypt, where they lived for 430 years, forming a nation. But the kings, unaware of Joseph's achievements, arose and began to enslave and persecute Israel. Then the people of Israel cried out to God in their suffering, and at that time God made Moses a leader and accomplished a miraculous liberation. God built a nation of Israel in the Palestinian region and used it as a nail plate for the salvation of mankind. God, who had provided salvation in this way, commanded them, "Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and remember God's salvation and protection and guidance in the wilderness."
Third, we need to have looking down eyes to be thankful for everything. The looking down eye refers to the humble eye. When we are humble, we can see ourselves and see God's intentions. This is the story of Martin Witten, who served as Germany's finance minister, when he was economically and politically in a predicament. It is said that on a Saturday evening while traveling in the countryside, he slept in a poor inn. But when I woke up in the morning, my shoes were gone. Displeased, he informed his owner and got a pair of shabby shoes to put on. He witnessed a moving scene as he went to church and worshiped wearing shoes that did not fit. The person sitting right in front of him was a crippled man who lost both legs, but he was worshiping with a very moving image. He was so ashamed of himself that he was upset over the loss of one shoe. It is said that he repented before God and opened his eyes to give thanks in everything. Later, he recovered politically and became the Minister of Finance. From this experience, he taught the German people to live a life of gratitude for everything, and it is said that he became a person who brought about great economic development.
Fourth, we need to have an eye for tomorrow to be thankful. No matter how difficult and difficult the reality may be, we must have eyes of hope to see God. Then you will be grateful. Trust in God who saves us. And look to the future of grace. You can see the world of God through all the beautiful things you see on this earth.
So, what is proper gratitude?
We Christians can overcome the crisis we are experiencing recently with gratitude in everything we do. On the occasion of Thanksgiving Day, we should realize the reason to be grateful, open our eyes and live a life of giving thanks.