Give Thanks (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

This week at our Thanksgiving service, Jon brings us a message from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances." Jon addresses the difficulty of obeying these commands, especially the call to give thanks in all circumstances, due to the inherent negativity bias of human nature. Jon presents three main ways Christians can give thanks during hardship: recognizing that bad circumstances can reveal hidden goodness, that good outcomes can emerge from suffering, and that the ultimate bad (death) is not the end of the story due to victory through Christ. Ultimately, Jon encourages us to practice intentional gratitude during this season of Thanksgiving and to check our hearts for bitterness by reflecting on the gospel and God's forgiveness.