Reading Ephesians 5:17,20 which says: "So do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is...giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
"These chapters in Ephesians describe Paul's hope for unity in the church. Christians are not to be foolish, taking on the actions of the world, but focus on doing the will of God in this world. We are to be always in a state of giving thanks for the wondrous gift of grace in Jesus Christ, whether a situation is helpful for our lives or difficult or destructive, we always have God's grace available to us, therefore we must always give thanks. "Always" means in every situation. This is a hard thing, as it's hard to thank God for something which has hurt us. But, every hurt brings a healing which protects the past hurt from further pain, and for that we can give thanks.
"Whenever I begin to feel out of sorts with someone or something, Jesus calls on me to stop and give thanks with a sincere heart, for good does and will come from each situation eventually.
"Lord Jesus, I praise and give thanks to you for each day I can walk with you on this earth. Amen."
Jerry, of course, wrote this. But, it has my stamp of approval on it, for it is true all the way. I still need the reminder to myself that sometimes others hurt us unintentionally. And the words of Jesus at his death on the cross comes to me, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Thanks be to God for His teaching.
Jo INMN
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