Give Thanks!

Are you a grateful person?  Do you take time to say “thank you” to others for who they are and what they do for you?  Do you take time to say “thank you” to God for who He is and all that God has done for you?  At least 33 times the Bible commands us to “give thanks.”  And, it mentions offering praise to God 292 times.  That’s a lot of praise and thanks!  Psalm 100:4 summarizes it nicely:  “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” 

Not many of us would question that we should give thanks and praise to God.  But the question is how?  Of course, there are many ways to give thanks.  We can give thanks by worshipping God on Sunday mornings, giving an offering, dedicating our lives to following Jesus, donating to charities – and many other ways too.  But Paul gives us one important way that you might not have thought of.  He suggests we give thanks to God by doing good to others.  “Don’t grow weary in doing good.”

We often forget that our relationship with God is connected to our relationship with others.  To love God is to love your neighbors.  To love your neighbors is to love God.  Giving thanks to God finds expression in loving and caring for others.  And, this is a theme Paul doesn’t want us to miss.  Good works can’t save you; but they are important as an expression of gratitude to God for the salvation he has freely given us.  Good works authenticate our faith in Jesus and help others who are in need.

Join your friends at Grace Church this Sunday as we resume our study of the Book of Galatians with the message, “Doing Good to All,” based on Galatians 6:1-10.  The message will challenge you.  Worship will lift your soul.  Friends will greet you.  And, the Holy Spirit will bring healing and refreshing to all whose hearts are open.  A Children’s Church is provided for little ones.  Refreshments will be served following worship.  All are invited.  All will be welcomed.  All will be blessed!  Please join us!