Thankfulness and thanksgiving ought to be a natural part of the Christian’s life. We have experienced the grace of God in ways that we will never fully comprehend. We are all natural-born sinners, deserving of judgment, condemnation and Hell. And yet God loves us unconditionally, sent His Son Jesus to carry our judgment on the Cross, and offers us forgiveness of our sin and eternal life with God in Heaven. No matter how hard, painful or unfair our life in this world may be, God has already showered us with far more than we deserve. And yet our Heavenly Father often gives so much more. He gives us food, shelter, clothing, and many times gives us transportation, health and even wealth. We are so blessed!

If we truly understand God’s grace and blessings, we will be thankful. But we must also go the next step and express it. We need to give thanks (aka thanksgiving) to God in worship, praise and testimony. We need to give thanks to those in our life who have blessed us, loved us and served us. That is why it is such a recurring theme in the Bible:

Psalm 136:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever.

Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

As we approach a national season of thanksgiving in America, let me encourage you to make thanksgiving a regular part of your life, as you worship God, as you share testimony in prayer meetings, as you interact with people every day, and as you pray to your Heavenly Father. He is indeed good, and His mercy endures forever!