A Season of Gratitude: Reflecting on Thanksgiving through Scripture
As the holiday season approaches, families and friends gather together to share a meal and express their gratitude. This Thanksgiving, consider reading aloud some biblical reflections on the topic of thanksgiving. These Scripture passages and corresponding quotations will stir your heart to gratitude as you share a meal with loved ones, thanking God for his good gifts.
Gratitude: The Proper Response to Abundance
In 1 Corinthians 4:7, the apostle Paul writes, “For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” As Joe Rigney notes, “Gratitude is the proper response to an abundance of gifts. Gratitude is the posture of the soul that most readily increases receptivity.” Let us approach this season with humility and gratitude, recognizing that all we have comes from God’s goodness and kindness.
The Power of Corporate Prayer
Psalm 126:3 reminds us, “The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.” Megan Hill observes, “Thanking God together is an effective guard against ingratitude. On our own, we may be tempted to forget, to take for granted, and to ignore the God from whom every good and perfect gift comes.” Let us join together with others to express our gratitude and praise God for his blessings.
Spiritual Blessings in Jesus
Colossians 1:12-14 lists three stunning gifts from God, all ours because of what Jesus has accomplished on our behalf. Sam Storms encourages us to “meditate upon them, and rejoice with thanksgiving.” As we reflect on these spiritual blessings, let us respond with joy and gratitude.
A Community of Thankfulness
Acts 2:41-47 describes the early Christian church as a rejoicing, praising community filled with thanksgiving. Martyn Lloyd-Jones asks, “What is a Christian? Well, Christians are men and women who know that they are what they are by the grace of God.” Let us strive to be a community that overflows with gratitude and thanksgiving, recognizing that all we have comes from God’s free gift.
Gratitude: A Test of Our Faith
Psalm 100:4-5 exhorts us to “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” Joe Thorn reminds us, “Thankfulness is a good test of your faith. Its absence demonstrates that your faith is more lip service than experiential knowledge.” Let us examine our hearts and respond with gratitude, knowing that our God remains the same forever.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude
This Thanksgiving, consider using the following questions to spark conversation and dialogue relevant to the season:
- What are some things you’re grateful for this year?
- How can we show gratitude to those around us?
- What are some ways we can cultivate a spirit of gratitude in our daily lives?
May these reflections and practical suggestions help you cultivate a heart of gratitude this Thanksgiving season.
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