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Dear beloved in Christ,
How are we doing? Many have lived through a very strenuous year, and as the Chief Apostle recently reminded us from the gospel of John, we can decide to not let our heart be troubled. Remember, God is above all and His sovereignty remains. His love and care are eternal.
As we approach Thanksgiving Sunday, it is essential to reflect on our dependence on God and prepare our hearts for gratitude. This time of year is dedicated to acknowledging that all good gifts come from our heavenly Father. To honor Him authentically, we should consider how to express our thanks in ways that foster peace and demonstrate a genuine heart’s attitude.
Sometimes, our circumstances may hinder our desire to convey gratitude. Therefore, here are three guiding principles to help us honor and thank God wholeheartedly.
Give God the glory
We consistently praise God for His marvelous works and endeavor to honor His name in our lives. In Romans 1:19-21, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that God has revealed Himself through creation, leaving humanity without excuse for denying His existence. Despite a culture that promotes self-sufficiency and individualism, we must refrain from taking credit for what He has accomplished in our lives.
Giving glory to God—the Author of grace—validates our expressions of thanksgiving. Just as it is unjust for individuals to claim credit for another's work, so too is it unacceptable for us to think we can gain achievements without God’s help. Recognizing our dependence on Him allows us to appreciate the grace that underpins all our accomplishments. By reminding one another of this truth, we can collectively witness God’s glory manifested in our lives, families, and congregations.
Fulfill His purpose
Our Chief Apostle recently shared an insightful story about the hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King.” A Bishop once posed a question to a Sunday School class: “How can animals and creatures praise and give thanks to God?” He explained that animals fulfill their purpose by living according to the intentions of their Creator. Similarly, each of us has a unique purpose, expressed in various forms—some experience struggles as cross-bearers, others experience health, some have wealth, and others have wisdom, some have a strong circle of family support, while others build their own loving communities, etc.
By sharing the gifts God bestows upon us, we honor our Creator and fulfill His purpose for our lives.
Give generously, inspired by God
God gave His Son, and continues to provide for us all because He loves us. Likewise, our generosity must be motivated by love…it’s a simple matter of the heart. Our giving is not a specific amount, nor any measure that we could apply. Instead of thinking of what amount is appropriate to give, we might consider, “am I sharing enough as God intended and why? Has the love of God increased in me?” We do not give for any other reason: love God, love your neighbor, no self-motivation. If we only give to get, we never truly gave.
Additionally, while we are called to be instruments of blessing, the outcomes of our generosity are ultimately determined by God. This encourages us give, invest, and then trust in God's providential plan, understanding that the impact of our actions may extend beyond our immediate comprehension.
As we prepare for Thanksgiving, we are invited to give abundantly to God, nurturing a deep relationship with Him. In hallowing His name this season, we engage in acts of reverence that affirm His holiness, thereby coming closer to Him. This occasion provides a moment to reflect on our blessings and commit to a life characterized by thanksgiving and worship.
Know that I give thanks for you and the many seen and unseen efforts that are made to help move the Kingdom forward.
Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving filled with peace, love, and gratitude!