“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18).

The apostle Paul refers to many things for which he was thankful, and for which we should, likewise, be thankful. At this Thanksgiving season, may it stir our hearts as we review these great truths.

Paul gave thanks for the following, among other things: for daily food (I Corinthians 10:30,31); for the love and care of fellow Christians (Romans 16:3,4); for a quiet life procured by civil rulers (I Timothy 2:1,2); for souls who have been wonderfully saved (Colossians 1:3–5); for his own call into the ministry (I Timothy 1:12); for converts who are abounding in faith and love (I Thessalonians 1:2,3; II Thessalonians 1:3); for his co-workers (II Corinthians 8:16); for God’s constant offer of personal victory (II Corinthians 2:14); for the hope that awaited him in heaven (Colossians 1:12); for God’s “unspeakable gift,” the Lord Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 9:15); for every believer (Romans 1:8); for the final victory over death and the grave (I Corinthians 15:55–57); and, if that weren’t enough, He says to thank God for ALL THINGS! (Ephesians 5:20).

Paul is a great example of a Christian who is constantly thankful, and we ought to follow that example. Unthankfulness is a sin which characterizes the unsaved of our day. “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful” (Romans 1:21). Paul told Timothy that the overriding attitude of the last days would be unthankfulness (II Timothy 3:2).

May unthankfulness never be a part of the Christian’s life, but rather, “let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15). NPS