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The holiday season is a time of thanksgiving. We gather with family and friends to celebrate all that we are grateful for. For many of us, our walk with Christ shapes how we view gratitude and thanksgiving. In this blog post, we will explore how being in relationship with Jesus changes the way we approach giving thanks. We will also look at some scriptures that talk about thanksgiving and how it can deepen our faith journey.
The first step to giving thanks is being mindful of what we are thankful for. When we take time to be aware of the blessings in our lives, it can help us appreciate them even more. This practice of thanksgiving has been part of Christianity since its beginnings. In Colossians 3:15-17, Paul writes about the importance of thanksgiving: “ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
In this passage, Paul is calling us to live in thanksgiving and gratitude. He encourages us to be mindful of the blessings that Christ has given to us and to express thanks for them by singing and being thankful in our hearts. By doing this, we can grow closer to Jesus as we recognize all of his gifts.
Another way our walk with Christ shapes thanksgiving is through the practice of prayer. When we take time to thank God for all that he has done and continues to do in our lives, it can help us be more mindful of our blessings. It can also help us recognize how much He loves us and how He cares for us each and every day. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This encourages us to take time to thank God for all that He has done and continues to do in our lives.
Finally, thanksgiving can be a time to serve others. We can share our thanks with those around us and use it as an opportunity to bless others. As Christians, we should strive to help those in need and demonstrate the love of Christ through our actions. 1 John 3:17-18 says, “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Thanksgiving is a time for us to give thanks for all the blessings we have been given by Christ. We can bring thanks into our lives through prayer, being mindful of our blessings, and serving others. May we all use this season to remember that thanksgiving is more than a holiday – it’s an attitude that should shape the way we live each day.