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1 Thessalonians 5:18: Gratefulness #TorontoStrong

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I just returned from joining the Toronto community in supporting those impacted by Monday’s tragedy at the #Toronto Strong Vigil. The event was hosted in collaboration with community groups Faith in the City and the Toronto Area Interfaith Council. It was a real blessing to be a part of. Many people shared prayers, songs, words of encouragement and comfort.

One of the things that really resonated with me as I was standing with community members and later clergy from other denominations and faiths was a spirit of gratefulness. People were grateful for the support of others. People were grateful for their community. People were grateful for the response, the love, the giving, and the forgiving of others. We were thankful.

This gratefulness, this thankfulness to God is one thing we can offer at this time as a community to our community in need. We can offer comfort and support to those who of us are healing through giving thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
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