Give Thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances”.

These three instructions are divided into three different verses. People always say the shortest verse in the Bible is “Jesus wept” from the Book of John, but “Rejoice always” and “Pray Continually” are also only two words long! I’m not sure why the editors divided them into separate verses, except to stress the monumental importance of each of these.

I want to focus on the first and last of these commands, as they are both inherently linked to the concept of grace and thus irrefutably entwined. Let us start with the Greek word for grace, charis. Grace is God’s freely given, underserved kindness. It is the foundation of our Christian faith and differentiates Christianity from all other religions.

When we take a moment to become aware of God’s grace, acknowledging his active presence and kindness towards us, we experience joy, which is translated from the Greek word chara. Chara (joy) means “awareness or recognition of grace.”

No surprise then that the Greek word Chairo’  (Rejoice) is also related to grace and means the expression of the awareness of grace. Are you following? Grace abounds whether we are aware of it or not. When we pause in the middle of trying circumstances and tune in to how God is showing up to bring comfort, goodness, redemption, and healing, we experience joy. When we then outwardly show that joy, that is the act of rejoicing. You can’t rejoice if you aren’t aware of the goodness of God!

What can you do, however, if the circumstances of life are so heavy that you find the thought of rejoicing nearly impossible? You give thanks. Predictably, the Greek word for give thanks is also related to grace. Eucharisteó comes from the word eu, meaning good, and chara, meaning grace. It is an even more profound recognition of the goodness we experience because of God’s grace.

This verse tells us to give thanks in all circumstances. Paul knew that actively seeking God’s goodness with gratitude leads to joy and rejoicing.

Brene Brown and other mindfulness teachers stress that the practice of gratitude leads to joy. But don’t be fooled—this verse reminds us that this truth has existed for thousands of years.

While giving gratitude in ALL circumstances may seem daunting, it is possible. Look at the art piece this week to find some nuggets of gratitude, and then personalize it with things you are grateful for this day.