We are extremely fortunate as the majority of us live in surplus.  This can sometimes rob us of thankfulness.  When you have plenty of food you’re much less grateful to receive more food than someone who has little or no food.  The first pioneers celebrated that they had enough food to last them through the winter, and more importantly to be able to replant in the following Spring.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

We are not obliged to be thankful, however thankfulness rises up in us as we recognise what has been done for us.  When we remember the good news of the Gospel – that Christ came down from heaven, died for all of our sins and rose again so that we can have true freedom and a relationship with God – then it causes thankfulness to rise up in us.   Thessalonians doesn’t say to be thankful for all circumstances – there are many situations in life where thankfulness is not the natural response.  Rather, it says to give thanks IN all circumstances, for this is God’s will for us.

What has God done for you that you’re thankful for?

Ephesians 2:8-10

 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Grace of God is a free gift.  You can’t earn it and don’t deserve it and for that we can continually be thankful.

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