Photo by Beth Rufener on Unsplash
Under the old law of Moses the children of Israel could offer a free-will Thanksgiving offering (Lev. 7:11-15). When their hearts were moved with gratitude the law prescribed a specific sacrifice they could journey to the temple and make. It involved giving an animal sacrifice or different types of cakes. The worshipper gave back to God because they were thankful with what God had given them. The Psalmist writes, “Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving” (Ps. 107:22).
Today, when we think of Thanksgiving we don’t typically connect it with giving. We think of being grateful. We consider all of our many blessings that we have been given. But do we realize we have been given so many things so we can bless others? Our gratitude should be expressed with offerings! A thankful heart is a generous heart. We give cheerfully to help others when we are content and grateful for the blessings we possess.
The world is not impressed with Christians being thankful. The rest of America pauses to acknowledge blessings and consider all they have. Our example becomes special and powerful only when our thanksgiving leads us to action. When we are prompted to share, give, love, and help because of our gratitude. This type of gratitude will demonstrate our faith. Paul said this type of giving will produce the “overflowing” of thanksgiving to God (2 Cor. 9:11-12).
Thanksgiving is not just about what you have been offered, it is about what you are offering! The Jews demonstrated their gratitude by freely and voluntarily offering a sacrifice unto God. What offering are you making to God this year to show your gratitude?
