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GRATEFUL REJOICING
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8
1 Thessalonians 3:9

1 Corinthians 3:4-9

 

“…for all the joy

wherewith we joy…”

 

GRATEFUL REJOICING
 
Paul had already shared his thanksgiving for the Thessalonians earlier in this epistle. But then as he reflected on their perseverance in the faith, he could not help but waxed lyrical with another exclamation of praise and thanksgiving. Timothy’s good tidings brought him so much relief and joy, and very naturally that led him to want to thank God, whom he acknowledged as the Source of their faithfulness.
 
In the midst of his rejoicing, Paul did not allow himself to be carried away and be tempted to claim any credit for the Thessalonians’ stedfastness. He knew that the only reason they were able to persevere in their faith was because of God Himself. Paul knew he was but the sower who brought the seed of the Gospel to them, but God was the one who granted the increase.
 
Therefore, he asked the question, “For what thanks can we render to God again for you” (1 Thess 3:9)? The word translated as “render…again” in the original has the meaning of giving or returning something back. Paul was basically asking how he could ever thank God enough, for what sort of thanks could he give to God that would be commensurate with the immense joy that he had received because of them? To him all his labour and all the suffering he faced were truly worth it all. It was but light affliction compared to the joy that he experienced then, and so his heart burst forth in thanksgiving and praise.
 
Is this the sort of joy that we experience before the Lord as well? Is our joy selfless and spiritual, rooted in the blessings of others? When souls are saved, when we see people drawn to the Lord and become more active in service and evangelism, what is our response? If we have such pure, spiritual joy, it will result in a godly gratitude to God. We will shout forth in praise and thanksgiving, rejoicing in the goodness of God!
 
THOUGHT: What would bring me greater delight – the salvation and sanctification of a loved one, or a sudden financial windfall?
PRAYER: Father, may Thou cultivate in me a heart of gratitude that finds joy only in the things pertaining to Thee.

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