Have you ever stopped to think about the word thanksgiving? It’s really two words combined — Thanks and Giving.
At its core, it’s the blend of gratitude and generosity.
Both of these words should be deeply exciting to anyone who loves Jesus. Gratitude reminds us of what God has done, and generosity reflects His heart through our actions.
Thankfulness and generosity should be our constant companions — two inseparable parts of our lives.
Recently, my wife and I returned from visiting our kids and grandkids in Japan. Japan is an incredible culture, full of honor and respect. One of the most visible ways they express that is through the bow — a simple gesture that communicates apology, respect, and gratitude.
Usually, it’s just a small nod of the head. But the deeper and longer the bow, the greater the respect and thankfulness being shown.
One day, while waiting in a store, I noticed an elderly woman standing with no available seats. I stood up and offered her mine. She turned and bowed so deeply that it shocked me.
I later came to learn that the deeper and more pronounced the bow, the greater the gratitude and respect.
The gratitude she showed that day reminded me of how we should treat God.
What does my bow of gratitude to God look like?
Do you live in such a way that my life continually bows before Him in thanks? Because here’s the truth — you can’t talk about being thankful without talking about giving. They go hand in hand.
When Thanks Meets Generosity
Let’s be honest. Talking about giving can make people squirm a little. Some think, “Here we go again… pastors always talk about money.” But generosity is not just about money — it’s about the heart.
According to God’s Word, giving is supposed to be a joy and a blessing. After everything God has done for us, no Christian should ever have a problem being generous.
Jesus said it best: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35
We often act like our blessings belong to us — our life, our success, our future. But Scripture reminds us otherwise: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” — Psalm 24:1
Everything we have belongs to Him. Even the “luggage” we carry through life — our time, talents, and treasures — really aren’t ours. They’re His.
So, what does your generosity look like? Does your thankfulness overflow into giving toward God and others?
Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Giving
There’s no greater example of generosity than Jesus. “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” — 2 Corinthians 8:9
He owned everything. He was rich in power, authority, and life itself. Yet He left heaven’s wealth to walk earth’s dust. He became poor — born in a manger, taking the form of a servant, dying on a cross.
Why? So that we might become rich — not in worldly possessions, but in grace, forgiveness, and eternal life.
We weren’t just poor before Christ — we were spiritually bankrupt. But in His love, He paid our debt in full.
Love Always Gives
At the heart of it all is love. “For God so loved the world that he gave…” — John 3:16
True love always gives. It’s not just a feeling; it’s an action. God’s love moved His hands toward generosity — the giving of His Son. If we claim to love God, then that same love should move us to give — of our time, our resources, our service, and our hearts.
Generosity: Not an Option, but Obedience
Generosity isn’t just a nice thing Christians do; it’s obedience to the God who gave everything for us. “See that you also excel in this grace of giving.” — 2 Corinthians 8:7
As followers of Jesus, we should strive to excel in gratitude and generosity. Not because we have to, but because love compels us to.
Your Challenge
Take the Thanks & Giving Challenge:
Every day, thank God for something — and give something. It could be a kind word, an act of service, or a gift. Because gratitude isn’t just a feeling — it’s a lifestyle.
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