Giving Thanks!

As I was reading from Psalm 118 yesterday, I was reminded again of who we are created to be – people of gratitude.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

This is core not only to our individual identity but our relational identity as well. The seeds of ingratitude can sour and poison any relationship. And correspondingly, true gratitude changes the hearts of both the giver and recipient.

As Christians, we know so well the grateful joy that we hear and feel deep in our souls as we read these words of the psalmist. The steadfast, enduring love of the LORD gives such indescribable joy – we cannot help but be grateful!

And even more broadly speaking, none on earth can deny the truth woven deep within our being – our Creator, the God of all creation, has made Himself plainly known ever since the foundation of the world to all who will hear and see. Yet the rejection of God demonstrates the deepest of ingratitude that leads from futility and foolishness into idolatry and every form of ungodliness and evil (Romans 1:21-25 ff).

Let us make every effort not only to remember and express all the many wonderful blessings for which we are grateful this season, but also actively live in gratitude that overflows in love for God and our neighbors.

A very blessed Thanksgiving to all!