Written by BCC Counselor Joel Bradshaw
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
In these three simple commands, Paul was directing the church at Thessalonica regarding their relationships with one another. Ever practical, the apostle gave them things not only to start but also to stop.
In the previous verses 13 and 14, Paul challenged not only their doing but also their being. The Thessalonians were to be at peace with each other and also patient with each other. How they were was just as important as what they did. Thus, the Christian life is not simply behavior management but a new life that flows from a new and renewed identity centered in Christ!
With this in mind, we encounter Paul’s three biblical imperatives.
1. Rejoice Always
Think of joy as a response to God that begins on the inside and flows to the outside. Over twenty times in the Bible, rejoicing is linked with gladness. The Hebrew language pictures gladness as a satisfied pleasure. Does that describe how you respond to the faithfulness of God?
2. Pray Without Ceasing
If you are always
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