Gratitude

A hallmark of the people of God is that we are inclined toward gratitude. We cannot force gratitude; it flows from viewing our lives in light of His grace.

Rooted in our biblical word for “thanks,” eucharisteo is the word we translate as “grace,” charis.

A believer shouldn’t live with the following:

• • Entitlement: “You owe me.”
  • Pride: “I deserve it.”
  • Discontentment: “I’m not happy with what I have.”
  • Jealousy: “Why them?”

Gratitude is an expression of humility, recognizing that our need and God’s provision have come together in Christ.

“Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves;’ … And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:17,19, NKJV).

As followers of Jesus, we don’t need a fancy dinner and holiday in November to recalibrate our hearts and thoughts. We just need a consistent Eucharistic table that involves some bread and wine to remind us that God has been gracious to us in Christ.

Let’s reflect on His all-covering grace with true gratitude as we gather together this week to give thanks.

Prayer + Reflection

1. As you celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, ask God to reveal to you any selfish thinking or entitlement in your heart that needs to be confessed.

2. Think about how being thankful is all about acknowledging God’s grace. Spend time in thankful prayer for that grace in your life.

3. Consider how you might include the Eucharist in your Thanksgiving celebration.

4. Ask God to prepare your heart for Advent, which begins Sunday, and to prepare hearts in your congregation to open to Jesus as Savior, Healer, Baptizer and Soon-Coming King.

Share your thoughts. See comments below, and add your own.