Giving Thanks was the theme for our Sunday service
Watch the service
Do you know someone who seems to be constantly bemoaning something? You probably don’t enjoy spending much time with them. On the other hand, overflowing gratitude makes a personality magnetic. Pastor Kelvin pointed out that Paul reminds us three times in just a few verses to be thankful people (Col. 3:12-17). So its good to ask why the habit of thanksgiving is such a big deal. Pastor Kelvin made a point that thanksgiving is a health habit which brings many blessings.
Thanksgiving is healthy for our spiritual lives.
- Thanksgiving is a faith-builder. An attitude of gratitude brings an air of expectancy that God is at work.
- Thanksgiving helps us have a good attitude. Going about our work with a grateful heart will make us sweeter-spirited persons who are easier to work with and have more positive attitudes.
- Thanksgiving is a catalyst for generosity. When we give thanks to God for what we have, we are more willing to share it with others.
Thanksgiving is healthy for our relationships.
- Thanksgiving is a relationship builder. Paul often started his letters with thanksgiving for his readers (see 1 Thess. 1:2,3). It helped create a good reception for his words.
- Thanksgiving is a help to marriage. Rather than grumble about what displeases them, the wise spouse focuses on the gifts that their partner brings to the marriage.
- Thanksgiving is a help to child-rearing. The Bible advises parents not to exasperate their children (Eph. 6:4). One way to fall into that trap is to continually dish out criticism, pointing out how a child does not “measure up.” Instead, Pastor Jones suggested that parents should be giving out at least 80% appreciation. Then when admonition is needed, it will be much better received.
Thanksgiving is a healthy attitude in hardships.
It is important to remember that Paul wrote the following famous verse from prison.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”
Phil. 4:8 NIV
Giving thanks helps us to rise above the moment and get a wider perspective. In addition, if we think about it, even in times of trouble, there are still many things to be thankful for. To expect life to go on without hardship is unrealistic. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble…” (John 16:33). But he followed that immediately by saying, “But take heart! I have overcome the world!” Especially in our times of hardship, it is very healthy for us to teach ourselves to say,
“Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Cor. 15:55
Thanksgiving is the habit of Heaven!
Pastor Kelvin reminded us that there is one more important fact about thanksgiving. It is preparing us for our home in heaven. In the book of Revelation John describes several visions of the praises of heaven. He saw both angels and majestic and mystical creatures around the throne of God worshipping him. As a part of that worship John specifically mentions that they are giving thanks to God.
So when we are learning to give thanks, we are not only learning a habit that is healthy for this life, but we are preparing to participate in one of the great themes of heaven as well. One of God’s aims for us in this life is that we might be shaped and molded so that we are prepared for our eternal home. Thanksgiving is part of that training. Let us give thanks with joy!