BELOVED, FOLLOW NOT THAT WHICH IS EVIL
July 30, 2025HAVE WE LEARNED?
August 2, 2025Being grateful and thankful is not uncommon among the human beings. Gratitude and thankfulness, though not practiced to the level, as it should be, is still very much a part of all human beings. What sets apart, the God of the Bible, and the Christian scriptures is, the level to which gratitude and thankfulness are raised. It is unique only to our LORD, and the Bible.
Let us look at some portions from the Bible, to see, what is so unique about Christian understand, and its use of, gratitude and thankfulness.
– “15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ” – 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18
– “20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. 22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” – Job 1:20-22
– “9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. 10 But he [Job] said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” – Job 2:9-10
The uniqueness about Christian gratitude and thankfulness, that the LORD speaks about in His written Word, is something that we should grasp quickly, and grasp it well. We are exhorted to be grateful and thankful, even in the face of struggle, suffering and pain – AT ALL TIMES. This is what is unique about Christian gratitude and thankfulness; just as Paul exhorts – “In everything give thanks.” [1 Thessalonians 5:18] which is, very much in line with Job’s response to his wife.
– “Job’s rhetorical question underscores a profound theological truth about the nature of God’s sovereignty and the human experience. It reflects the biblical theme that God is the source of both blessing and trial, as seen in Isaiah 45:7, where God declares, “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster.” This statement challenges the prosperity theology that suggests God only gives good things to His followers. Job’s acceptance of both good and adversity from God is a testament to his understanding of God’s ultimate authority and purpose, reminiscent of Jesus’ submission to the Father’s will in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39).” – Berean Study Bible Notes
Today is the last day of the month. With what attitude are we looking back, not just the month, but the year so far? Not just the year so far, but our entire life? How are we responding to all situations in our lives? How do we perceive our struggles and our storms? Does gratitude and thanks towards God, come to our attention, as we go through pain and anguish? How do we look at all that is happening in our lives?
– “1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” – Psalms 100
May we learn to walk, every so faithfully and obediently, in the well trodden path, on which, many a child of God had walked, with gratitude and thankfulness, at all times, and in all situations. Even so, the LORD help us.
