Transcript:

Hello, this is Pastor Don Willeman of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to a special-edition series of The Kingdom Perspective.

What should we as a church do in the face of the coronavirus?

We should give thanks! The Scripture commands us: “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB). Likewise, give “thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

You see, Christians ought to be the most grateful people. Our hearts ought to overflow with an attitude of gratitude at every turn, because we know that God our heavenly Father is sovereign over every situation and is orchestrating all things, even the difficult and challenging, for our good.

So much of life is a matter of perspective, and that is often determined by whether or not you practice the art of thankfulness. Studies show that those who practice gratitude (thinking about and thanking others on a daily basis) are happier than those who don’t. This only makes sense, because nothing is more therapeutic than getting our eyes off ourselves.

We have so much to be thankful for—healthcare workers faithfully serving their community, researchers working tirelessly to do testing and find a cure, employees and employers that have sacrificed tremendously for one another, friends and family that have patiently persevered with us through this trial.

Here’s my advice. Take a moment today to express your thanks. It will cost you very little and you’ll gain so much.

Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
~ 1 Thessalonians 5 (NASB)