1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 ‘See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’

1 Thessalonians is one of Paul’s earliest letters, written to a young church in Thessalonica. Paul is giving final instructions and encouragement to a community of believers who are awaiting the return of Christ. In these verses (5:15-18), Paul offers practical guidance on how to live as followers of Jesus in light of that expectation. His advice emphasizes a life marked by goodness, joy, constant prayer, and gratitude—qualities that reflect God’s will for His people.

Paul’s words to the Thessalonians were written during a time of uncertainty and challenge. The young Christian community was navigating persecution and the unknowns of the future as they awaited Christ’s return. Today, we find ourselves in a similar season of uncertainty. The recent election has left many Americans feeling weary, divided, and disheartened. The political environment has stirred deep emotions, ranging from frustration and fear to despair and longing for change. In this atmosphere, Paul’s instructions to “rejoice always,” “pray without ceasing,” and “give thanks in all circumstances” can feel almost out of reach.

Paul’s encouragement to rejoice, pray, and give thanks is not a call to ignore the pain or injustice we see around us. Instead, it is an invitation to anchor our hope in something deeper than the political shifts of the moment. It reminds us that our joy comes from Christ, whose kingdom is not of this world. Our ceaseless prayer is a way to stay connected to God’s vision for humanity, to seek His will even as we navigate difficult conversations and uncertain futures. And our gratitude, even in challenging times, is an act of trust—believing that God is present and at work, even when we cannot see it.

Trish Tiura