Thankfulness vs Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving. A word we all know and even celebrate. On Thanksgiving Day, we often ask each other what we're thankful for, but thanksgiving and thankfulness are not exactly the same. Thankfulness is an internal feeling, an emotion or state of being pleased and appreciative, that should resonate deeply within us and inspire genuine faith and humility. Thanksgiving is the active, outward expression or communication of that feeling. Basically put, thankfulness is the feeling; thanksgiving is the resulting action. 

The Bible says a lot about thanksgiving; as Christians, we ought to be characterized by thankfulness and intentional in our thanksgiving. We can be thankful about something without showing thanksgiving, but that ought not to be; the Bible tells us in Colossians 2:6-7, "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." 

Think of thankfulness as the source, and thanksgiving as its visible manifestation. Just as hatred is the root of murder, so thankfulness is the root of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is an active expression; therefore, the Bible often pairs it with action verbs like give, walk, enter, and offer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are commanded to "give thanks in all circumstances." Ephesians 5:18-20 tells us we must 

be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This shows us that it is a constant, non-negotiable duty, no matter our situation. When we are filled with the Spirit, thanksgiving becomes a continuous, deliberate expression. Thanksgiving is vital to our Christian walk and reflects our ongoing relationship with God. Salvation is a free gift from God, one we haven't earned, nor ever could, so we must give thanks to the One who saved us. It is not just a holiday; it defines the entire Christian life. Thankfulness is the logical result of knowing and understanding the gospel of salvation. Jesus Christ took all of God's wrath against our sin, and as a result, we are compelled to live lives of thankfulness, which results in thanksgiving. 

God knows that we are weak and sinful; in and of ourselves, we can do no good. How, then, can we not be thankful that God not only paid the price and freed us from sin and Satan, but also sends the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and make us willing to live for Him? Recognizing God's grace should fill us with deep gratitude and reverence, inspiring humility and devotion in our walk with Him. 

How do we do all this? God gave us the Ten Commandments not only to show us our sins, but also to show us how to live in thankfulness. The Ten Commandments are our guide and map; they show us how to live a life that pleases God and gives all glory and honour to His name. But God gives us even more direction. We can easily see what not to do, and by studying God's word we can also see how we should live.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17).

As Christians, we are called to be thankful, and this should show in everything we say and do. When someone asks what we are thankful for, the answer is always something God has given us. We have nothing good without God's grace and mercy. When we live lives that are characterized by thankfulness, God blesses us. We must actively pray to God and praise Him. We need to live in obedience to His commandments and show our thankfulness through acts of service to our neighbours. In everything we do, even the seemingly mundane daily tasks, we must choose to do them for God's glory, with intentional acts of kindness and expressions of thankfulness to God. So, 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7).

Today, as you pause to reflect on what you're thankful for, do not forget to thank the One who has given it to you. May the peace of God be with you as you celebrate and express your thankfulness today!