Week 14: Our Expression of Thanksgiving

2 Corinthians 9:10-15

                  There’s nothing that blesses me more as a mom than when my children use what my husband and I have taught and provided them to become productive in the ways God created them. Verbal thank-yous and written sentiments warm our hearts, but we are truly moved when we see that they are living out their purpose and that we played even a small part in helping them become productive people in God’s kingdom.

                  In 2 Corinthians 9, the apostle Paul talks about the eagerness of the Corinthian church to give generously to help the saints. He then quotes the well-known verse 6, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” So, what does this have to do with thankfulness? I’ve never really thought about it until today. When you look a few verses down, Paul says that when we are generous with what God has blessed us with, which is everything, our generosity should lead to thanksgiving to God (vs. 11). This makes sense to me now. As God provides us with the ability to earn money and bestows spiritual gifts upon us, and as we choose to use our time, resources, and gifts to bless others and honor God, we find ourselves overflowing with gratitude. 

Yes, we should be thankful for obvious things like food, shelter, clothing, health, and family. But what a privilege it is that the creator of the universe has gifted us in so many ways, then allows us to participate in His work to advance His Kingdom, even though He doesn’t need us to do anything for Him. We GET TO give generously, we GET TO serve, we GET TO be a blessing. And guess what? The more we use what God has given us to bless others, the more He blesses us. Colossians 2:6-7 states, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thanksgiving.” As we grow in Christlikeness, we should grow in generosity. The more we grow in generosity, the more we should overflow with thanksgiving. 

Friends, this Thanksgiving, let us praise God and thank Him for all He has blessed us with. Then, let’s ask Him how we can show our gratitude through both actions and words. He is our loving Father who wants us to thank Him by using the gifts He’s given us to serve others and bring glory to Him.