Using Gratitude Safely

Thank God no matter what happens. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 The Message

This verse has been used against people. Parents use it to force children to repress their feelings. Pastors use it to silence criticism or dissent. Those in power use it to guard the status quo.

But Paul was writing not as one in power. He’d just told his friends in Thessalonica about how he had “suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi” (1 Thess 2:2) and was being messed over by Satan (2:18), and he’d been run out of Thessalonica by a mob of angry people in the first place. So as a friend he’s reconnecting and letting them in on some of the keys he’s found to a flourishing life (regardless of hardship) - and one of them is gratitude.

Of course, all the studies back Paul up. Gratitude makes for better medical outcomes, better relationships, and happier people. But still it can be really hard to put it into practice.

So why not take some time today and just give thanks. Make a reminder on your phone for later in the day to stop and give thanks again. And maybe even consider asking someone else today what they are thankful for. And give thanks no matter what happens today.