The Benefits Of “Thankfulness”

Introduction

Illustration story:

“Sometimes it is not only right, but it is beneficial to express gratitude to another. Beth Rittler decided to contact people in her past that had been meaningful to her. She wrote letters or made telephone calls to many old friends and acquaintances. One letter went to a popular boy in her class who had paid attention to her—a shy, awkward girl with low self-esteem—even though they were not really friends. She located him and sent a letter. He responded with a phone call and now, 25 years after they were schoolmates, they are husband and wife.

Thanksgiving is a discipline that carries far beyond one holiday. We can make it a lifestyle. “Thankfulness” will bring grace to others and benefit to ourselves.” —Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

The Concept of Thankfulness

The Lexham Bible Dictionary (General Usage in the Bible)

The concept of thanksgiving evolves theologically throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, it is closely tied with the verb “to bless” (בָּרַךְ, barakh; e.g., Deut 8:10). The most common Hebrew noun used for “thanks” (תּוֹדָה, todah) derives from the verb “to praise, confess” (יָדָה, yadah).

Deut.8:10 says “ When you eat and are full, you will bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.”

The very first lessons we are thought as children by our parents is to “say thank you” to show gratitude and appreciation of what others do for us.

Throughout the first four Gospels it is mentioned that Jesus giving thanks to God before, feeding the people, raising the dead, and before meal. The disciples also continue this practice of giving thanks throughout the new testament in every situation.

Acknowledgment

To give thanks to God in “everything” is to acknowledge God’s sovereignty over the specific item being blessed, whether fruit, wine, vegetables, or loaves of bread, the day, or the situation you find yourself in.

The Benefits of “Thankfulness”

-What is the benefit of a thankful person ?

Luke 17:19 CSB

19 And he told him, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.”

# 1. Thankfulness brings you in the presence of God. The desire to express is gratitude to Jesus for healing him brought him in the present of Jesus

# 2. Thankfulness brings you peace. The one that came back

# 3. Thankfulness deepens our faith. ( Your faith has made you well.)

Conclusion

The Lexham Bible Dictionary (In Private Prayer and Life)

I read somewhere (Guthrie notes that “thankfulness is a characteristic of the entire Christian life” Christians are to thank God for creating and sustaining the world and for His ongoing redemption of it through Jesus.

They are expected to pray to God privately (Matt 5:6) and thank Him for what He has done (Luke 17:12–19).

Thanklessness is regarded as a rejection of God, which leads to further sin and eventual judgment (Rom 1:21