What does the Bible say about giving thanks? 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 says, “Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” In 2 Corinthians 9:15 we read, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” And Psalm 9:1 reads, “I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”
Thanksgiving is a holiday which most of us spend with family and friends eating turkey, watching some football, and relaxing. It is filled with love and gratitude for what we have.
One of the most popular Thanksgiving quotes circulating on the internet right now is, “Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day,” by Robert Caspar Lintner, a Methodist pastor who wrote in the 1930s.
And wow! What a quote! But what is thanksgiving? Late Episcopal clergyman, author, and educator Robert N. Rodenmayer wrote this interpretation of what giving means:
“There are three kinds of giving: grudge giving, duty giving and thanksgiving. Grudge giving says, ‘I have to’; duty giving says, ‘I ought to’; and thanksgiving says, ‘I want to.’ The latter comes from a full heart. Thanksgiving is an open gate into the love of God.”
I love the end of the quote: thanksgiving comes from a full heart. A full heart comes from God. HE loved us so much that HE sent HIS Son to die for us. HE loves us and accepts us for who we are. HE promises us eternity. Doesn’t it fill your heart to know that HE did all of this for YOU?
[Tweet “Thanksgiving comes from a full heart.”]
I am truly filled with thanks and awe for the ONE who calls me by name.
Photo courtesy of Elisa Schulz Photography
