Paul has many favorite words and favorite expressions found throughout his letters. One of them is the word “always,” which is found in every Pauline epistle except First Timothy. Notice how Paul uses this word.
Paul uses the word “always” most frequently with reference to prayer. “I make mention of you always in my prayers” (Rom. 1:9; cf. Phile. 4). “I thank my God always concerning you” (1 Cor. 1:4; cf. 1 Thess. 1:2; 2 Thess. 1:3; 2:13). “Giving thanks always for all things to God” (Eph. 5:20). “Praying always with all prayer and supplication” (Eph. 6:18). “Always in every prayer of mine making request for you all” (Phil. 1:4). “Praying always for you” (Col. 1:3; cf. 2 Thess. 1:11).
Paul uses the word “always” with reference to God’s care for us. “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ” (2 Cor. 2:14). “God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Cor. 9:8). “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way” (2 Thess. 3:16).
Paul uses the word “always” with reference to the faithful obedience of a Christian. “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). “As always…Christ will be magnified in my body” (Phil. 1:20). “As you have always obeyed…work out your own salvation” (Phil. 2:12). “So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:6). “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6). “Always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all” (1 Thess. 5:15).
Paul uses the word “always” with reference to the spirit of rejoicing that should characterize the Christian’s life. “Always rejoicing” (2 Cor. 6:10). “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4). “Rejoice always” (1 Thess. 5:16).
Paul uses the word “always” with reference to our eternal joy with Christ. “And thus you shall we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:17).
Do you pray “always”? Do you trust in God’s care “always”? Do you obey Him “always”? Do you rejoice “always”? Do you long to be with the Lord “always”? If you’ve got any “sometimes,” turn them into “always”!