Thanksgiving

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus conerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:18)

It is fairly easy to give thanks when things we think are good happen. It is more difficult when things we percieve as bad happen. In fact, we usually find ourselves complaining instead. Nevertheless, the verse commands us to give thanks in everything, good or bad.

Remembering Romans 8:28 makes it far easier. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Though the things may be bad, they will result in good things. God will cause them to do so for his children.

For example. I couldn't see the good when my wife left, but it resulted in a much closer relationship with God, and a much stronger level of confidence, in myself, and in God. When one loses a job, it is difficult to give thanks, but the result was better hours, and more money when it happened to me.

There are a couple of conditions in Romans 8:28. "To them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. This clearly indicates that the promise does not apply to those who do not love God, or those who are not called of him.

Obedience to God indicates our love and disobedience demonstrates a lack of love according to John 14:23-24. "Jesus answered and said unto him, 'if a man love me, he will keep my words: ... He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:' ..."

Romans 8:29-30 makes it clear that God knew who would recieve him and predestinated and called them. Those who have not recieved Christ have no claim on this promise.

An unthankful attitude is typical of those who rebel against God as Romans 1:21 tells us, "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful." Unthankfulnes is an attribute of the wicked as II Timothy 3:2 makes very clear.

If you wish to please God you must learn to give thanks.