12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil. 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. -1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
It’s that time of year when we get together with family and friends to celebrate and share our gratitude for the life we’ve been blessed with over a home cooked meal. Many of us feel the freedom to undo our belts a notch or two to make room for that extra piece of turkey, some mash potatoes, or a slice of your relatives famous homemade pumpkin pie. It’s an American tradition to have the football game on in the background to give that soothing white noise for someone to take a nap, sports fans to chat over stats, and for the kiddos to have an excuse to be a little louder than normal. Can you picture it? It’s almost like a Thomas Kinkade painting if we looked through the window of one of his famous autumn house paintings.
In many of our houses we have 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 hanging on the wall and it seems fitting for this time of year. Paul writes about rejoicing, prayer and being thankful, so naturally it fits with Thanksgiving in 21st century America right? Well, maybe and maybe not. I think it is worthwhile to dig a little deeper into this passage in order to have a better understanding of what it means and have a greater appreciation for the faithful people of God who went before us.
Paul actually begins this letter to the church in the city of Thessaloniki (modern name) by thanking God for the faithfulness of believers who lived there. They were on fire for God and were living out their lives for Jesus! Their devotion to God was spreading to other churches and the community was an example to others on how to live.
This way of life was far from easy though. Throughout the letter Paul writes about his own mistreatment for living out the gospel, others who have died on behalf of Jesus, and how more hardship was to come. Why did people still choose to follow Jesus in this hostile environment? They encountered the truth in the gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit and placed their hope in the kingdom to come.
The early church knew very clearly they were living in the last days and we are too. Even though hardship was evident all around them, they had gratitude because of the joy that was placed in their hearts by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit through prayer and in service to others. They were surrounded by not only the presence of God but also by a community of believers who represented Jesus to one another by being imitators of Him. This kind of life and love shared with one another was enough to have gratitude even in the worst of times and the best of times.
When you read this Scripture on the wall or during your devotional time be reminded of this love that surrounds you as well. Not everyone has the privilege of having the picture perfect Thanksgiving celebration, but everyone is invited to celebrate in the love God has for them and the community of believers have for one another. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is nudging you to reach out to someone in your life to express your thankfulness for them? Maybe in your prayers you can thank God for them as well? You never know who the Spirit might lay on your heart, but I would encourage you to spend time with Him to see who He leads you to pray for and love this season.
In Christ,
Pastor Dan
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