Giving Thanks

By Donna Franklin

Text: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18)

Did your upbringing include saying, “Thank you” for all the ways others did nice things for you? If so, you were considered polite, folks felt good about you, and as a result more good things came your way. We don’t give to others in order to receive thanks; but if there’s no acknowledgement, the desire to keep giving is lessened somewhat and eventually dries up.

If we humans expect to receive thanks for blessing others - and actually look forward to it - how much more should God expect each of us to recognize all His wonderful blessings by giving of thanks? And the Scripture above tells us that not giving thanks means we are out of His will…Wow! 

Does God respond to our acknowledgement of what He gives us? Sure! One example is found in the Old Testament concerning the paying of tithes and offerings. Even though the required 10 percent belongs to the Lord to begin with, He promises to reward the faithful: "...and prove Me now herewith, saith the LORD if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” (Malachi 3:10)

Our first national holiday and feast - Thanksgiving - was instituted as a time of offering thanks for the bountiful way the Lord God Almighty helped His people. How much more are we, 400 years later, blessed by His goodness and mercy! As we celebrate this month, let’s keep an attitude of thanksgiving and look for ways to show our appreciation to God and to others. We have so much to be thankful for!   

Editor's Note: Donna Franklin and her husband attend the United Pentecostal Church in Paoli, Oklahoma - Pastor Terry Erwin. She loves the writing ministry and  has written many articles and poems.