Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
Thankfulness matters. Personally, I think it is the one attitude that should characterize every believer. We are the ones who know the truth–everything we have, all that we are and will be has been given to us by God.
As James wrote, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).
Interestingly, the Greek word for thanks is eucharisteo. The root word is charis, which means grace. Thankfulness is the fruit of God’s grace in your life.
This gives substance to Paul’s command that we give thanks in all circumstances. This is not a magic formula, or a mantra to be repeated. Genuine thankfulness reflects a heart rooted and growing in God’s grace. It means that in the circumstances of life you trust the One who works all things together for good. This is the will of God.
Bob,
THANKFULLNESS is a very powerful expression of humility.
A heart recognizing as you stated the grace in whom we entered.
A thankful heart in regards to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and in what hey ALL have accomplished to give us the ability and the identity in which we now stand.
When a heart walks in thankfulness to God it will naturally due to the New Nature given bear this.
In addition a thankful heart as mention is a EXPRESSION of a heart that has been humbled by the love of God! Therefore a heart that HAS His Love in action!
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
When a heart is busy being prideful in thinking its all about oneself, it has not time to be THANKFU?
Having thankfulness is actually one stepping out of the Big I, to focus on the Big I Am.
Peace and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Well said Tom. Love the line, “a heart that has His love in action.” thanks for joining the conversation.
All circumstances :Every point on the beam of time and every pulse of energy matter. Grace permeates every dallop of existence. Someone once said “When we have filled all the journals,books, and internet space with all of man’s wisdom, when all of man’s Hubble explorations have extended out to the edges of the universe, and when all the Hadens have pierced into the inner of inners of our building blocks, there will be staring back at us the Life of Jesus, the Grace of God “. We were never alone after all. Thank you Jesus.
Thankfulness is a sign of faith. If faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of that which we cannot see, then being thankful to God for his provision, even when what we SEE is not what one would consider to be ideal, that reveals faith.
Hi Bob,
I thank God for this ministry, and actually wanted to share my joy with you all – that today, I have just become a Lifeline Partner!! A great reason to be thankful x