1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 - Popular Bible Verse Series


“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18


The Bible contains many verses about gratitude, but I chose 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 for this Thanksgiving post in our Popular Bible Verse Series. These verses, among my favorites, resonate deeply on this day of giving thanks.

The entire Bible is God’s Word, and while Christians often have favorite verses, I’ve selected these from various popular lists and my personal collection for this series. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 calls us to:

  • Rejoice always.
  • Pray without ceasing.
  • Give thanks in all circumstances.
This isn’t a one-time act or limited to Thanksgiving Day. We are to rejoice, pray, and give thanks continually—not just for blessings received but because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus. These verses urge us to go beyond thanking God for specific gifts and to embrace constant joy, prayer, and gratitude, regardless of circumstances.

In his first letter to the Thessalonian church, Paul begins with gratitude: “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:2–3). Paul models a life of thanksgiving, even amidst challenges.

Jesus Himself exemplified gratitude, as recorded in the New Testament. Before His death, He gave thanks during the Last Supper: “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me’” (Luke 22:19). Jesus didn’t thank God for His impending suffering but for the fulfillment of God’s will through His atoning death. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).

Paul, imitating Christ, calls believers to follow his example (1 Corinthians 11:1). After enduring affliction, Paul gave thanks (2 Corinthians 1:3–7), reflecting Christ’s gratitude before the cross. The key to giving thanks is to do so in all circumstances, as Paul imitated Christ.

By giving thanks in every situation, we fulfill God’s will in Jesus Christ, living out the call to rejoice always, pray continually, and express gratitude unceasingly.

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