Article: Thanksgiving – A Time for Gratitude & Reflection | Benoy J. ThomasI’m

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, it is a time to reflect on the blessings we have received, the people we hold dear, and the moments that have shaped our lives. While Thanksgiving is a time for feasting and gathering with loved ones, it is also an opportunity to express our gratitude to the Creator of all things. In this Christian editorial, we will explore the significance of Thanksgiving from a Biblical perspective and draw inspiration from the Word of God.
The Bible is filled with verses that emphasise the importance of thankfulness. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, the Apostle Paul encourages us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This verse reminds us that thanksgiving should be a way of life, not just a one-time event. It teaches us to find reasons to be grateful even in difficult times, for God’s love and faithfulness are constant.
Psalm 95:2-3 also calls us to “come into His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” This verse reminds us that our gratitude should be an expression of joy and reverence for the Almighty. Through thanksgiving, we draw near to God, recognizing His supreme authority and love.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus’ encounter with ten lepers illustrates the power of gratitude. In Luke 17:15-16, we read, “Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks.” Only one of the ten returned to give thanks, and Jesus commended him for his faith. This story highlights the importance of not only receiving blessings but also acknowledging the source of those blessings.
Thanksgiving is an act of humility, recognizing our dependence on God. The Apostle James reminds us in James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” As Christians, we understand that all that we have is a gift from our Heavenly Father, and it is our duty to express our gratitude for His abundant provision.
Our gratitude should extend beyond our personal blessings to encompass our fellow human beings. In 1 John 4:19, we are reminded that “we love because He first loved us.” Our thanksgiving should inspire us to love, to be kind, and to serve others in the same way that God has shown His love for us. In this, we fulfill the second greatest commandment, as stated by Jesus in Matthew 22:39, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”
As we gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, let us remember the Biblical teachings about gratitude. Let our celebrations be marked by more than just the abundance of food; let them be filled with the abundance of thankfulness. May we pause to reflect on the goodness of our God, the love of our Saviour, and the countless blessings that surround us.
In conclusion, Thanksgiving is not just a holiday; it is a heart condition. It is an opportunity to draw near to God, to express our joy and reverence, and to acknowledge our dependence on Him. It is a time to love and serve others, just as we have been loved and served by our Heavenly Father. This Thanksgiving, let us truly give thanks with hearts overflowing with gratitude, for it is in our thankfulness that we draw closer to God’s heart and fulfill His will in our lives.

-ADVERTISEMENT-