Give Thanks

Gratitude is not just a fleeting feeling or a seasonal practice—it is a daily, intentional choice that shapes our hearts and our lives. When we honestly assess our own thankfulness, many of us might find ourselves somewhere in the middle, struggling to give thanks when life is hard, when our bodies ache, or when relationships are broken. Yet, the call to give thanks is not dependent on our circumstances. Psalm 107:1 reminds us: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” This was written in a time when the Israelites were returning from exile, their land and temple in ruins, yet they gathered to give thanks—not because everything was perfect, but because God’s goodness and love remained.

Gratitude is for everyone, not just the religious or the fortunate. It is a human response to grace, a posture that opens our hearts to see goodness beyond ourselves. Whether we are in seasons of joy or hardship, thanksgiving anchors us in the unchanging character of God. It is not something that comes naturally; it must be taught, practiced, and chosen. Like children learning to say “thank you,” we must train our hearts to recognize and respond to the gifts and kindnesses we receive, both from God and from others.

True gratitude is more than words—it is a lifestyle. It is expressed in our actions, in the way we serve, give, and love those around us. Our thankfulness to God should overflow into tangible acts of kindness and generosity. When we live this way, we reflect the heart of Christ, who gave everything for us. Even when life is difficult, we can choose to be thankful, trusting that God is in control and that his love endures. This kind of gratitude not only draws people to us but also pleases God, who is always by our side.

The challenge is to make gratitude a daily practice, to recognize God as the provider of all things, and to let our thankfulness shape our attitudes, our relationships, and our witness to the world. No matter where we find ourselves on the scale of thankfulness, we can take steps to grow, to choose gratitude over bitterness, and to let our lives be marked by a spirit of thanksgiving.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Gratitude is an intentional choice, not a reaction to perfect circumstances. Even when life is painful or disappointing, choosing to give thanks shifts our focus from what is lacking to the enduring goodness and love of God. This discipline transforms our perspective and helps us see God’s hand at work, even in brokenness. [01:35]
• 2. Thanksgiving is a collective and relational act, not just a private emotion. In the biblical context, giving thanks was something the whole community did together, setting aside personal pain to honor God as one people. Practicing gratitude in community helps us move beyond self-pity and isolation, drawing us into deeper fellowship and shared worship. [05:04]
• 3. Gratitude must be taught and practiced; it does not come naturally. Our default is often self-centeredness and entitlement, but thankfulness is a learned response that requires humility and intentionality. By cultivating habits of gratitude—both in words and actions—we shape our character and influence those around us for good. [10:34]
• 4. True gratitude is expressed through action, not just words. It is easy to say “thank you” to God, but real thankfulness overflows into serving, giving, and loving others, especially when there is no expectation of return. Our actions become a testimony of God’s grace and a way to honor the sacrifice of Christ in our daily lives. [13:21]
• 5. Choosing gratitude is a daily decision that shapes our relationships and our witness. When we recognize God as the provider and sustainer of all things, we can be thankful in every circumstance, trusting his sovereignty. This attitude not only draws people to us but also pleases God, who remains faithful even when everything else changes. [14:41]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:18] - Honest Self-Assessment of Thankfulness
• [01:05] - Gratitude Amidst Pain and Loss
• [01:50] - The Intentionality of Giving Thanks
• [03:10] - Psalm 107:1 and Historical Context
• [04:49] - Thanksgiving as a Collective Act
• [06:45] - The Fallacy of Conditional Gratitude
• [07:14] - Gratitude is for Everyone
• [09:52] - Gratitude in Joy and Hardship
• [10:34] - Teaching and Practicing Thankfulness
• [11:33] - Gratitude as a Lifestyle
• [12:51] - Thankfulness Expressed Through Action
• [14:41] - The Challenge: Choosing Gratitude Daily
• [16:20] - Gratitude and Christian Witness
• [19:20] - The Israelites’ Example of Thankfulness
• [20:57] - Invitation to Surrender and Receive Christ
• [23:13] - The Impact of a Grateful Life
• [24:23] - Closing and Final Encouragement

Bible Reading

Psalm 107:1 (ESV) — > Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
> for his steadfast love endures forever!

Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 107:1, what are the two main reasons given for giving thanks to the Lord?
2. In the sermon, what was the historical situation of the Israelites when they were called to give thanks? [04:00]
3. The pastor mentioned that gratitude was a collective act in biblical times. How did the Israelites practice thanksgiving together as a community? [05:04]
4. What examples did the pastor give of situations where it is hard to be thankful? [00:50]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the Israelites were able to give thanks even when their land and temple were in ruins? What does this say about the foundation of true gratitude? [04:00]
2. The sermon says gratitude is for everyone, not just the religious or the fortunate. How does this idea challenge the way people usually think about thankfulness? [07:14]
3. The pastor said that gratitude must be taught and practiced, not just felt. Why do you think it doesn’t come naturally to most people? [10:34]
4. How does expressing gratitude through action (not just words) reflect the heart of Christ, according to the sermon? [13:21]

Application Questions

1. On a scale of 1 to 10, how thankful are you for your life right now? What would it take for you to move one step higher on that scale this year? [00:18]
2. Think of a recent situation where you found it hard to be thankful—maybe because of pain, loss, or disappointment. What would it look like to choose gratitude in that moment? [01:05]
3. The pastor shared that gratitude is a daily, intentional choice. What is one practical habit you could start this week to help you remember to give thanks each day? [02:53]
4. Is there someone in your life who has helped you or shown you kindness, but you never thanked them? What is stopping you from reaching out to them this week? [09:08]
5. The sermon challenged us to let our gratitude overflow into action. What is one specific way you can serve, give, or show kindness to someone this week as an expression of thankfulness to God? [13:21]
6. When you think about your relationships, do you notice a difference in how people respond to you when you are grateful versus when you complain? How might a spirit of gratitude change your relationships at home, work, or church? [23:13]
7. The Israelites gave thanks together as a community, even in hard times. How can our small group practice gratitude together, especially when some of us are struggling? [05:04]