A Virtue for Today

Scripture – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22: ¹⁶Be joyful always; ¹⁷pray continually; ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ¹⁹Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; ²⁰do not treat prophecies with contempt. ²¹Test everything. Hold on to the good. ²²Avoid every kind of evil.

Reflection: The list continues from yesterday. Again, I see attitudes behind the actions. As you read these verses, note the things that pop out to you – areas in which you might focus over the next few days.

Giving thanks in all circumstances is one that stands out to me. Most of the time I remember to say, “Thank you.” At a deeper level, however, the trick is to let myself be thankful. The Lord has blessed me beyond measure. I don’t have to look hard to see that. I sometimes get distracted by jealousy and envy. That’s when it’s important for me to step back and let myself again be thankful.

I will live with a thankful heart today. Christ has given me all I need for this day. I will thank Him with regularity as the day unfolds.

Which of these virtues will you choose for the day? How will you be different because of that choice?

An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.

Reading for Sunday, September 21

Scripture – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28: ²³May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. ²⁵Brothers, pray for us. ²⁶Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. ²⁷I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. ²⁸The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.