1 T H E S S A L O N I A N S 5 : 16 – 18
REJOICE ALWAYS;
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING; IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS;
FOR THIS IS GOD’S WILL FOR YOU IN CHRIST JESUS.
Paul always introduced his letters with love, thankfulness, and joy. He also ended every letter, with thanksgiving, thankfulness, and joy in Christ Jesus. He himself was enduring affliction from those who opposed the word of God, yet he was encouraging his fellow believers, and their progress and steadfastness of faith gave him great joy, reassuring his spirit.
For this life we live is not always easy, Paul knew that and experienced it. Yet He remains thankful and full of joy teaching us to do the same. And how can we achieve the same results? By being in the Spirit, in fellowship with Christ always, and with our dear brothers and sisters.
Let us also encourage each other, and pray for one another. We are a body of Christ and through Christ, we find our strength. If one is weak, let us share our burdens and lift each other up.
For life is difficult for every person on this earth, there are troubles all around; tribulation, grief, heartache are everywhere. Yet, one thing sets us apart, one thing that the world does not possess, and that is God’s great love.
For we have the gift of salvation, we have life everlasting. Even in death, we still have life in Christ as He awaits us.
Is this not reason to rejoice?
Y O U T H M E M B E R
