DATE POSTED
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the New Living Translation (NLT).

15 … always try to do good to each other and to all people. 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Before we dive in, let’s establish two things: first, the command to “do good” applies to everyone – not just fellow believers or the people who are kind to us. But to do good to those who may not be good to you. Second, these instructions are specifically for those who belong to Jesus. Following Christ isn’t about church attendance or trying to do good; it’s about a transformed nature. When Jesus is Lord, obeying Him becomes our new “natural.”

The Standard of Kindness How can God expect us to be good to everyone? Look at the Cross. God accepted us while we were still “clothed in our sin.” If we claim to be His children, our goal is to mirror His character. If we can treat others unkindly without feeling a stir in our hearts, we must stop and ask: Do I truly know Him? A heart that belongs to Christ is a heart that the Holy Spirit constantly prompts toward love.

The Lifestyle of the “Always” Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances. This sounds impossible if we view it as a checklist, but it’s actually about attitude.

• Constant Prayer: This isn’t about being on your knees 24/7; it’s an ongoing conversation with God while you drive, work, and live. It’s keeping Him involved in every detail.
• Constant Joy: Joy isn’t a reaction to good news; it’s a deep-seated security in Christ that circumstances can’t touch.
• Constant Thanks: We often lose our gratitude when life doesn’t go our way. But when Jesus is Lord, we trust that He sees the “tomorrow” we cannot see.

When we struggle to give thanks, we are essentially saying we could run our lives better than God can. But for those who belong to Christ Jesus, this lifestyle of joy, prayer, and thanks is God’s perfect will. Let’s stop trying to control the outcome and start trusting the One who is in charge.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for accepting me even when I was far from You. Holy Spirit, stir my heart today. Help me to do good to everyone I encounter, regardless of how they treat me. Shift my attitude from self-reliance to constant prayer, and let Your joy be my strength even when circumstances are hard. I surrender my ‘right’ to be in control and trust Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian Walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!