Ephesians 5:18-20
… but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father.
Reflection: Thankful, Part 1
Written By: Pastor Jesse Caro
I am very blessed! It is a custom for us to voice our gratefulness during the Thanksgiving season. We have done this on Thanksgiving Day in our home, but it certainly is not something we do every year. If you do it yearly, as a tradition… then bravo! It is a very good habit and tradition. I have noticed that when I have participated in such traditions (be it in my home or in another home) it always feels rather awkward. Have you experienced this phenomenon? I am struck by this as curious. Why should it be that expressing gratitude should feel awkward or forced? Why should it be that saying “I am thankful for…” should be something for which we are embarrassed? Might it be that we need to practice this more often and more intentionally such that it is not awkward?
Paul says that we should have a heart that is “always giving thanks for all things in the name of the Lord.” Always for all things? That is quite an extensive approach to being thankful in our hearts. I don’t want to get into the theological and grammatical observations that are made by scholars about what “all things” and “always” means in the context of this letter to Philippi. But let us admit that we could stand to be more thankful for more things (even things that are painful.) Whatever Paul means, I am sure that I am missing the mark. As Thanksgiving approaches, may we be intentional to have a heart of thanksgiving!
Prayer
Lord, forgive us for our lack of gratitude and thanksgiving. We now thank you, the giver of all good things, for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us, your people!
