Saying “Thank You” is almost an automatic response for most people. “Thank You” is uttered to express appreciation for being the recipient of something; a compliment, a gift, assistance, etc. It’s simply me recognizing that you gave me something. But do you realize that saying “Thank You” is not the same as being “Thankful”. When you are “Thankful” you are full of Thanks. And whatever you are full of on the inside will somehow show up on the outside. Yes, your “thank you” recognizes that you are a recipient of something and it recognizes the one who has given you that something. But true “thankfulness” not only recognizes the recipient and the giver; true “thankfulness” recognizes the sacrifice and efforts of the giver. And that recognition is manifested in you making an effort to express some kind of effort or sacrifice in return.
We say “Thank You God” every day. But are we “Thankful”? Are we simply, recognizing the gift and the giver our gifts? Or are we recognizing the sacrifice? If you are recognizing the sacrifice, are you compelled to make sacrifices in return? Or are you comfortable always being the recipient, but never compelled to be the giver?
Christ died “for” my sin. Thank You, Jesus. I will die “to” my sin.
Christ forgave me of my sin. Thank You, Jesus. I will forgive others.
Christ looked beyond my faults and saw my need knowing that I didn’t deserve it. Thank You, Jesus. I will be patient, loving, long-suffering toward others and consider their needs, even knowing that they don’t deserve it.
Christ “gave” His life for me. Thank You, Jesus. I will deny myself and give my life for Him.
The Sacrifice
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Thankfulness
Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Don’t just say “Thank You”. Be thankful.
*Tressa Jo
BeyondSeeLevel 