Gratitude Should Lead to Giving 

Now that Thanksgiving Day is past, have you started focusing more intently on Christmas shopping? Black Friday isn’t quite what it used to be due to the popularity of online purchasing, the decline of shopping malls, and the way stores extend their advertised discounts throughout the season. However, that day after Thanksgiving still tends to be viewed as the day when Christmas shopping begins in earnest. On the one hand, I detest the overemphasis on such spending that often causes people to lose sight of what the season is all about. On the other hand, it does seem appropriate that right after the day set aside for expressing our gratitude, people start concentrating more on gift-giving. It illustrates the truth that gratitude should lead to giving. In other words, if we are truly thankful, we can express it through acts of giving, such as helping others, making generous contributions, or being involved in deeds of kindness. A good way to be reminded of this concept is to consider the word thanksgiving. Yes, it refers to giving thanks, but it can also remind us that “giving” should follow “thanks.”

Occasionally we hear about athletes, entertainers, or other celebrities making a large donation or otherwise getting involved to help someone in need. Afterwards they may make a comment such as, “I wanted to give something back to the community.” That is what we all should be seeking to do. If we have been blessed – if we have received much – then one way to express our gratitude is by turning around, paying it forward, and giving in return. And although I used the word “if” - “if we have been blessed” – there is actually no “if” about it. We have been blessed, every one of us. No matter what struggles or problems we face, no matter what we may be lacking in some things, we have all been the recipients of God’s goodness, grace, and blessings. Since He has so blessed us, we should desire to give back in some way.

First of all, we can give back to God. What can we possibly give to Him? Talk about a hard person to shop for or the person who has everything! God doesn’t need anything, but what does He want? We can give Him praise, honor, and glory for who He is and what He has done for us. And we can give Him ourselves. Romans 12:1 instructs us to give ourselves as living sacrifices to the Lord. Out of a heart of gratitude, let’s offer ourselves and all that we possess to be at the disposal of God.

Additionally, our gratitude to God for His blessings should lead us to want to pass those blessings along to other people. We can say “thanks” by blessing others, giving to them, and trying to make sure their needs are provided for. Don’t forget what Jesus said about our assisting people with their legitimate needs. If we give food, drink, or clothing to one of them, it is as if we are doing it to Him. Therefore, we can especially consider helping others as being an expression of our thanks to God. If we are giving to others to help them, we are essentially giving to the Lord and doing it to Him.  

However, let’s not just consider the physical needs of people. If we are experiencing the blessings of salvation and of being part of the family of God, we should seek to pass those blessings along to others too. We can express our gratitude to God by sharing the wonderful truths of the gospel with those who need to hear it.

So let’s seek to make this time following Thanksgiving a true season of giving. If we are genuinely grateful, then let’s give.