I Thessalonians 5:18 was written to the church and says, "Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Notice two things if you would: 1) Christians are told to give thanks in all circumstances not for all circumstances and 2) Christians are told to give thanks in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 5:17 was written to the church and says, "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to the Father through (in) him."
Several times each day I greet others and others greet me - often times I ask them or they ask me an introductory question - many times the question is "how are you doing"?
When you hear that question this holiday season - look to answer it by saying "I am thankful" - or "I am thankful in all things in Christ Jesus."
That is my prayer for the church - for us to show and tell one another and for us to show and tell the world - that we are thankful in all things in Christ Jesus.
God's Peace,
Jeff
