There are some pretty big concepts surrounding thankfulness in the Bible. First of all, thankfulness is not passive. It is a mental or verbal recognition and expression of acknowledgement and appreciation. Let me say that again.
Thankfulness is recognition and expression of acknowledgement and appreciation.
Recognition, expression, acknowledgement, and appreciation. Of God's person. God's blessings. God's sovereignty. God's grace.
Anyone have bells going off? Ding ding ding -- I'm remembering some of those words from this past week!
Thankfulness is a repsonse to God's grace!
Okay, so are you ready for that big concept way to express thankfulness? There are two main versions found in the New Testament:
1. Remember charis? Now we have charizomai homologeo. Meaning grace acknowledgement and confession. Our prayers of confession and thankfulness are one way we acknowledge and appreciate God's grace.
2. We also see Jesus breaking bread with the disciples in an act of thanks. This word may sound pretty familiar: eucharisteo. Very literally it means "good grace." When it appears in the context of Jesus eating with his disciples, it means "giving thanks." Eucharisteo is derived from charis. I can mentally almost see it enveloping charis. Jesus sees the bread and cup, counts it as a good grace, and gives thanks for it.
This week, we will explore why we should be thankful, what happens when you are thankful and the dangers of thanklessness.
Right now, check out this video from Ann Voskamp to frame your week:
Suggested Practice:
Keep a gratitude journal for the week. Have each family member write down 3 things each day for which they are thankful. If this seems like a chore, remember that you are actually training your mind toward gratitude!
Be creative with this! Maybe make a paper chain for each family member and watch the links grow the chain. Or keep personal journals. List on a piece of paper and keep in your Bible or taped to the bathroom mirror. Make a family poster to hang on the wall or refrigerator. Cut out leaves to make a gratitude wreath. However you do it, look for the light together!
#livethankfully
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