“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap…” – Luke 6:38 (NIV)
Gratitude is an act that we take for granted.
To whom is gratitude due? To God. To parents. To leaders. To staff. To spiritual leaders. The list goes on. Gratitude is due to all who lend support, in a tiny way or a great way, in our lives.
So often, we show no gratitude, for we see no reason to be grateful. We feel that we have already paid for the service someone has provided, or we think that that service was due to us. But let us examine the Scriptures.
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, in chapter 4:10-20, we see his acknowledgement of their gifts, their love, kindness, and support. Paul thanked the brethren not because he was in need but to acknowledge their sacrifice and to reassure them that their gifts were pleasing to God. God would bless them according to His riches and glory.
Gratitude, then, is returning in thankfulness to acknowledge what has been bestowed on us. Not trivalising but celebrating. For example, at harvest time, we set aside a portion to give thanks for what has been provided to us by God’s bounty. We do it to lift our hearts in praise to God, thanking Him for all He has done, even the intricacies of His creation.
Just think of going to the dentist to fill a tooth. The dentist has to carve out that filling to match the other lower or upper tooth. Our God is a God of intricacies. He has already carved every tooth. Oh, we have so many reasons to give thanks!
Let our gratitude be extended to daily Thanksgiving. Giving in return, creating that delight to the recipient, as we reflect on our own delight when we receive. Let our emphasis in the season of Thanksgiving and harvest be on giving, as God has already given us so much.
Read: Romans 12:10; 1 John 4:7-8
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 127; James 1; Ezekiel 32; Ezekiel 33:1-20
