Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 LSB

Today is the day we celebrate Thanksgiving. And of course, according to our Scripture Thanksgiving is something we should be continually doing. We should rejoice always. We should be thankful no matter our circumstances. But if we are honest that’s not always so easy to do.

There was a time in my Christian infancy that if things weren’t going my way, I was definitely not rejoicing or being thankful. I’m not proud to admit that sometimes I still have to take my thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). There are times I still have to ask God to guard my mouth (Psalm 141:3).

I am happy to say that these times are usually short-lived, and I am convicted quickly and can get myself straight.

We need to understand, however, that there are people out there who are hurting. There are people who have lost loved ones. Some have had to bury their own children. Some have lost loved ones in tragic circumstances. Some have suffered the pain of betrayal and divorce.

I read on social media yesterday about a woman who had a man follow her into a store parking lot due to road rage. She didn’t know what she had done. Instead of instinctively yelling back at him, she asked if he was okay. She asked if she could do anything for him. She responded in kindness. She said she came out an hour later to find a note on her windshield. He apologized for his actions and told her he had just lost his mother.

We never know what someone is going through. I thank God for a mother that dragged me to church every time the doors were open, but many people did not get exposed to church as children. Some were faithful church goers but got their feelings hurt. When we invite someone to church, we have to take all these things into consideration. We need to show God’s love for them, not our judgment.

It’s easy for those of us who love and trust in the Lord to say there is always something to be thankful for. It’s easy to tell others they should be doing the same. It’s even easier to judge them and talk about them. It’s not so easy to take the time to consider they may be going through things we know nothing about.

As Christians, we are called to go forth and make disciples. We must do this in love and kindness. As we celebrate this Thanksgiving, we are to be thankful in all circumstances. We know, as God’s children, He works even the bad things out for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. We know He is good and merciful and gives us so much more than we deserve.

There are others out there, however, that don’t comprehend this. There are those who are hurting. If we are truly grateful to God for His great love, we will share that love with others. We will do God’s will and show Him our gratitude. And, in the process, we will share His love with others.

I can recall a time in my life when I was experiencing a great deal of difficulties. Sadly, it was during the holiday season. I wasn’t so thankful or merry or jolly. I was hurting. I was going through the motions. I thank God for providing me with a family that helped me through these times. I thank Him for His strength and for walking me through the fire and the flame.

The Bible tells us God comforts us so we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4). Be thankful to God today, but also be aware of those who are in too much pain to show gratitude. Be a comfort to them and show them God’s love as we go through this Holiday season.

When we deal with people that are full of anger and hatred, do your best to show them God’s love.

Have a great day!