Gratitude is a beautiful word because of what it means and does. Generally, gratitude means to express thankfulness and appreciation for an act of kindness. It means the recognition of the goodness of a gift and the thoughtfulness and kindness of the giver of that gift,
Gratitude also means not taking things for granted. Rather, it helps us to maintain healthy relationships and preserves good friendships.
For Christians, gratitude can be considered a “spiritual discipline,” meaning that we are to be grateful to God not only for life itself and the blessings thereof. But also for the “lean” and uncertain times that come our way as well. In such times, Christians are to rejoice.
The apostle Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Note: not only we are to give thanks in all circumstances; but also for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. There are no options here. The key is to pray without ceasing. And in doing so, God will intervene.
During His earthly life, the Lord Jesus gave thanks to God on several occasions. Here are two examples: For the loaves and fish to feed the hungry crowd (Matthew 15). He also thanked God “that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children” (Matthew 11:25).
America celebrates “Thanksgiving Day” every year, which is a very happy occasion for many people. It’s a time to gather with family and friends to share a Thanksgiving dinner consisting of turkey and the trimmings.
One wonders how many people take time during the occasion to express their gratitude to God for His goodness, mercies, and blessings.
The Scripture says, “Oh give thanks to the LORD; for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever” (1 Chronicles 16:34). Note: God “is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.” Not just for a day or two.
For the Christian, every day should be a Thanksgiving Day, especially in consideration of God’s goodness and kindness to each of us personally which some Christians seem to overlook.
Here is an excerpt from a Thanksgiving message by Dr Charles Stanley on Sunday November 21, 2021. “There are all reasons to be grateful, but we should also consider the many ways God has been good to us personally. Each breath is a gift from Him. He keeps us alive and wakes us up each morning to a new day. He provides air to breathe, clothes to wear, and everything we need for life. And beyond these are our spiritual blessings that come with our life in Christ. He works in our hearts to transform our attitudes and empower us to love others. We can confidently talk to the Lord in prayer and know that He hears us, protectively watches over us, and guides our path. Every event in our lives and in this world is under His control, and He works everything according to His good and perfect will.” (Excerpted from Sermon Notes From In Touch With Dr. Charles Stanley and captioned “A Happy Thanksgiving”).
The Bible gives us many occasions and reasons for the Lord’s people to be thankful. When we praise God, we are actually expressing our gratitude to Him.
Above all the many things to give God thanks for is the giving of His Son Jesus to die on the Cross for our sins. First Peter 1:3 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to living hope.”
Because of God’s great mercy, He has provided Jesus Christ who gives us eternal life through His sacrificial death on the Cross. Let us have the right attitude of gratitude in giving thanks to Jesus Christ, the greatest gift to this world from the greatest give, who is God, for our salvation. God is the giver of all things.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, may our main focus be on Almighty God and His goodness and mercy to us. Let us serve Him with gladness, giving thanks to Him. “For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever and His faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 100:5).