True or False? 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thess. 5:18)

Is this true? Are there any exceptions in the text?

Is "giving thanks" something mechanical like teaching Susie to say "thank you" to Aunt Mary? No. Just saying "thank you" is thanks from the neck up.

Do you thank God from your heart in everything? If not, does your conscience hurt when you don't thank Him? Even though it does not hurt, do you confess the unthankfulness as sin? Is it forgiven? If not, are you chastened?

"And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, 'My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.' Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Heb. 12:5-11)

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Roots by the River

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