“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
My Notes
What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Mean?
Paul gives one of the simplest and most challenging commands in the New Testament: in every thing give thanks. Not for everything — in everything. The preposition matters. You are not required to be grateful for tragedy. You are called to practice gratitude inside it.
"For this is the will of God" directly connects thanksgiving to divine will. If you have ever wondered what God wants from you, here is an answer: give thanks. In every circumstance. This is his will.
"In Christ Jesus concerning you" specifies that this is personal. Not a generic spiritual principle. This is God is will for you, specifically, in your specific circumstances.
The context is a rapid series of instructions at the end of 1 Thessalonians: rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in everything. The three together form a lifestyle, not an occasional practice. They describe the ongoing posture of a person who trusts God regardless of conditions.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What is the difference between giving thanks for everything and giving thanks in everything?
- 2.What situation in your life right now makes gratitude feel impossible?
- 3.How does knowing this is explicitly called the will of God change your approach to thanksgiving?
- 4.What is one thing you can genuinely thank God for in your current difficulty?
Devotional
In every thing give thanks. Not some things. Every thing.
That includes the hard things. The things that make no sense. The things you would never choose. Paul does not say be thankful for the cancer, the betrayal, the loss. He says be thankful in it. Inside it. While it is happening.
That distinction is everything. Gratitude inside difficulty is not denial. It is defiance — a refusal to let circumstances dictate your posture toward God. It is saying: even here, there is something to thank you for. Even now, you are still good.
This is the will of God concerning you. If you have been searching for God is will — his purpose, his plan, what he wants from your life — here is one clear, unmistakable answer. Give thanks. Whatever you are standing in, give thanks.
That does not mean it is easy. It means it is important. And sometimes the hardest obedience produces the deepest transformation.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Quench not the spirit. By which is meant, not the person of the Spirit, but either the graces of the spirit, which may…
In every thing give thanks - See the Eph 5:20 note; Phi 4:6 note. We can always find something to be thankful for, and…
In every thing give thanks - For this reason, that all things work together for good to them that love God; therefore,…
Here we have divers short exhortations, that will not burden our memories, but will be of great use to direct the…
In everything give thanks This again the Apostle taught by example as well as precept; see ch. 1Th 1:2; 1Th 3:9-10; and…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture