1 Thessalonians 5:16

“Rejoice always”

The fact that we are saved (1 Thessalonians 1:10), should always be at least one major source of continual joy for the Christian (1 Peter 4:4). ‘Be happy in your faith at all times” (Phi). This admonition was addressed to Christians who were suffering. The Christian can rejoice despite and because of hardship, because he or she knows that when hardship is met with the proper attitude, the end result will be great improvement in one's character (James 1:2; 1 Peter 4:13). “If our Christian experience does not lead to joy, we do well to ask whether it is genuine” (Marshall p. 154). Fields notes, “The secret to true joy is to avoid trying to be happy, chasing happiness itself is like chasing rainbows. It is always just beyond reach” (p. 144). We should note that happiness is. result of unselfish service (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15), rather than the end all. This verse seems to be linked with the context: We cannot rejoice if we are nursing or holding on to grudges (1 Thessalonians 5:15). There should be rejoicing even when we forgive. We should be glad when someone repents and they allow us to embrace them back into fellowship. Forgiveness should be. happy thing to do (Luke 15:7). Stott notes, “Many church services are unforgivably gloomy. Although, to be sure, it is always appropriate to worship Almighty God with awe and humility, yet every service should also be. celebration,. joyful rehearsal of what God has done and given through Christ” (p. 125). Compare with Psalms 95:1; Psalms 100:1.