I Thessalonians 5:18
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| "Hearty Thanksgiving Greeting" Postcard, c. 1910. Collection of Plimoth Plantation. |
Introduction: Thanksgiving Day
Harvest feasts, Pilgrims 1621
Lincoln Proclamation 1863
In America these days: A day of worship, feasting, visiting, and possibly football
I. The Grateful Attitude Is Learned - and Can Be Forgotten.
(Where are you in this process?)
Expressing thanks is an elementary principle of etiquette.
A. Stages of Gratefulness in Attitude
1. Ungrateful heart - disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy...
- 2 Timothy 3:2
2. Thoughtless Neglect - Where are the nine? - Luke 17
3. Disciplined response
4. Overflow of love - Giving thanks in all things
B. Gratefulness Is Learned By Example
1. Jesus
2. Parents
3. Peers
4. Teachers, Leaders, Public Figures, and others
5. History
C. Gratefulness Is Learned By Study
D. Gratefulness Is Learned By Action
E. Learning Must Be Reinforced and Remembered
II. What Giving Thanks Does (It does not “repay” or “reciprocate“)
A. Recognizes a Blessing (something good done for us)
1. - which should not go unrecognized
2. - shows respect
B. Imparts a Blessing (a good word)
1. People want and need to know that they and their actions are appreciated
2. Builds their self worth
C. Blesses Us
1. Cheerfulness
2. Self worth
3. Easier to say "Thanks" next time - builds a good habit
III. It Ought To Be Easy!
A. So much to be grateful for!
Ps. 103: "Forget none of his benefits ... pardons your iniquities, heals your diseases, etc.,
To Whom For What
God Salvation, family, church, friends, leaders, country, health, life
Parents Self-sacrificing care, love, teaching, support
Spouse, friends, others Love, help, concern, sympathy, work, help, ideas, ....
for the joy they bring us!
If we're grateful to parents, we can also be grateful to God.
If we're grateful to God, we'll also be grateful to others.
B. So Easy to Express Thanks!
Prayer and testimony
Words, letters, cards, phone calls, invitations, gifts, etc.
According to teachings of Scripture and customs of etiquette
C. We Lose No Dignity by Expressing Appreciation to God and to others!
D. We Set a Better Example.
IV. Our Christian Service Should Spring from Gratefulness to God.
What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits to me? Ps. 116:12
Take the cup of salvation, pay my vows, be his servant…
And ... Be His friend!
Don't expect everyone to express thanks to you as they should - be forgiving, and don't
hold a grudge if they fail. We have all failed at times.
Conclusion: Let our lives demonstrate gratefulness to God and others for all they have given and done for us.
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