God still speaks to us today, but how do we know what God is saying? Where is the line between being cynical about receiving direct guidance from God and being gullible in believing everything we hear or feel? The final instructions Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians address that tension and guide us in Tuning in to God’s Heart. May our ears be open, our minds be discerning, and our hearts be determined to follow God’s leading.

Paul gives three short but beautiful commands to the Thessalonian Christians: rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. Those don’t simply provide a happier or better life; they are God’s will for us. The instructions are fairly easy to understand, but how can we do them? They come from a life turned towards God in all things, and doing them shapes us in that direction. As we follow Paul’s lead, may our lives overflow with joy, thanksgiving, and fellowship with God.

The Church is more than a voluntary organization or a social club. We are not merely individuals who decide to gather for personal benefit. The Church is the body of Christ and the family of God, and God has designed us to be Moving Forward Together. Paul encourages us to respect and honor in love those who lead us forward. At the same time we must encourage and help those who need it most, being patient with and good to all. We are in this together, all connected to Christ.

1 Thessalonians is a letter of Hope and Holiness. Today we hear Paul speaking words of deep hope into a community that is grieving death and loss. Paul doesn’t encourage shallow cheeriness, but rather the deep hope of Christ’s future glorious return. On that day God will raise to new life all the believers who have died, and together with the Christians who are still alive they will welcome Christ and so be with him forever. Because Jesus rose never to die again, we know God will do the same for us. Oh, what a day that will be!

Paul reminds the Thessalonians of how to live in order to please God, and he begins with bodies and relationships. This was particularly challenging in their highly sexualized society (sound familiar?). Paul starts with three commands: avoid sexual immorality, control your body with holiness and honor, and don’t take advantage of anyone in this area. He continues with three reasons connecting them with God: Jesus’ future judgement, God’s past call to holiness, and the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives now. May we also grow in pleasing God and honoring others in this important area.