Topical Encyclopedia Thankfulness, as a virtue and practice, is enjoined throughout the Holy Scriptures, serving as a fundamental aspect of the believer's relationship with God. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of gratitude, both as a response to God's grace and as a commandment for His people.Old Testament Foundations The concept of thankfulness is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it is often expressed through offerings and sacrifices. The Israelites were instructed to give thanks to God for His provision and deliverance. In Leviticus 7:12-15, the peace offering, also known as the "thanksgiving offering," is described as a way for the Israelites to express gratitude to God. The Psalms, a rich source of Hebrew worship, frequently call for thankfulness. Psalm 100:4 exhorts, "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name." New Testament Exhortations In the New Testament, thankfulness is further enjoined as an essential characteristic of the Christian life. The Apostle Paul, in particular, emphasizes gratitude in his epistles. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 , Paul instructs, "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." This directive underscores the belief that thankfulness is not contingent upon circumstances but is a constant duty of the believer. Paul also highlights the role of thankfulness in prayer and worship. In Philippians 4:6 , he writes, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Here, thankfulness is presented as an integral part of a believer's communication with God, fostering a spirit of trust and reliance on His providence. Theological Significance Thankfulness is not merely a polite response but a profound theological principle that acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness. It reflects a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, recognizing that all good gifts come from God (James 1:17). The act of giving thanks is a declaration of faith, affirming God's past faithfulness and trusting in His future provision. Practical Implications The enjoinment of thankfulness has practical implications for the believer's daily life. It cultivates a spirit of humility, as one acknowledges dependence on God. It also fosters contentment, as gratitude shifts focus from what is lacking to what has been graciously provided. Colossians 3:15-17 encapsulates this lifestyle, urging believers to "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" and to "be thankful," allowing the word of Christ to dwell richly within them. Conclusion The biblical mandate for thankfulness is clear and pervasive, calling believers to a life marked by gratitude. This enjoinment is not only a response to God's blessings but a continual posture of the heart, reflecting a deep-seated acknowledgment of His grace and sovereignty. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 35:1And God said to Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar to God, that appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 12:14,17,42 Exodus 13:3,8-10,14-16 Exodus 16:32 Exodus 34:26 Leviticus 19:24 Leviticus 23:14 Deuteronomy 12:18 Deuteronomy 16:9-15 Deuteronomy 26:10 Judges 5:11 Psalm 48:11 Psalm 50:14,15 Psalm 98:1 Psalm 105:1-45 Psalm 106:1 Psalm 107:1,2,15,22,42,43 Psalm 118:1,4 Proverbs 3:9,10 Ecclesiastes 7:14 Isaiah 48:20 Joel 2:26 Romans 2:4 Romans 15:27 Ephesians 5:4,19,20 Philippians 4:6 Colossians 1:12 Colossians 2:7 Colossians 3:15-17 Colossians 4:2 1 Thessalonians 5:18 1 Timothy 2:1 1 Timothy 4:3-5 Hebrews 13:15 James 1:9 Library Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii. Thought, Deed, Word Opposition to Messiah Unreasonable List of the Benefits which Constantine Conferred in the Freedom of ... The Shepherd King of Israel The Joy of the Lord Matt. v. 38, 39, 40 The Coin in the Fish's Mouth Entire Sanctification in Patriarchal Times. Index of Subjects. Resources The Fruit of the Holy Spirit What is gentleness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs mentioned in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about a Christian's responsibility? | GotQuestions.org Thankfulness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Thankfulness of Hypocrites, Full of Boasting Thankfulness: Abound in the Faith With Thankfulness: Come Before God With Thankfulness: Expressed in Psalms Thankfulness: Habitually offer Thankfulness: Jesus Set an Example of Thankfulness: Ministers Appointed to offer, in Public Thankfulness: Offer Sacrifices of Thankfulness: Resolve to offer Thankfulness: Saints Exhorted To Thankfulness: Saul, to the Kenites Thankfulness: should Always Accompany Praise Thankfulness: should Always Accompany Prayer Thankfulness: should be Accompanied by Intercession for Others Thankfulness: should be offered for all People Thankfulness: should be offered for all Things Thankfulness: should be offered for Appointment to Spiritual Service Thankfulness: should be offered for Christ's Power and Reign Thankfulness: should be offered for Deliverance from Indwelling Sin, Through Christ Thankfulness: should be offered for Faith Exhibited by Others Thankfulness: should be offered for Love Exhibited by Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Conversion of Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Gift of Christ Thankfulness: should be offered for the Goodness and Mercy of God Thankfulness: should be offered for the Grace Bestowed on Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Nearness of God's Presence Thankfulness: should be offered for the Reception and Effectual Working of the Word of God in Others Thankfulness: should be offered for the Supply of Our Bodily Needs Thankfulness: should be offered for the Triumph of the Gospel Thankfulness: should be offered for the Zeal Exhibited by Others Thankfulness: should be offered for Victory Over Death and the Grave Thankfulness: should be offered for Willingness to offer Our Property for God's Service Thankfulness: should be offered for Wisdom and Might Thankfulness: should be offered in Everything Thankfulness: should be offered in Private Worship Thankfulness: should be offered in Public Worship Thankfulness: should be offered in the Name of Christ Thankfulness: should be offered: Always Thankfulness: should be offered: As the Remembrance of God's Holiness Thankfulness: should be offered: Before Receiving Food Thankfulness: should be offered: On Behalf of God's Servants Thankfulness: should be offered: Through Christ Thankfulness: should be offered: To Christ Thankfulness: should be offered: To God Thankfulness: should be offered: Upon the Completion of Great Undertakings Thankfulness: should Enter God's Gates With Thankfulness: The Heavenly Host Engage In Thankfulness: The Israelites, to Joshua Thankfulness: The People of the Island of Melita (Malta), to Paul Thankfulness: The Spies, to Rahab Thankfulness: The Wicked Averse To Thankfulness: To God of Abraham Thankfulness: To God of Abraham's Servant (Eliezar) Thankfulness: To God of Deborah Thankfulness: To God of Hannah Thankfulness: To God of Jehoshaphat's Army Thankfulness: To God of Jethro Thankfulness: To God of Joseph Thankfulness: To God of Melchizedek Thankfulness: To God of Miriam Thankfulness: To God of Rachel Thankfulness: To God of Samuel Thankfulness: To God of the Jews Thankfulness: To God of the Levites Thankfulness: To God of the People of Israel Thankfulness: To God of the Queen of Sheba Thankfulness: To God of the Sailors Thankfulness: To God of the Shepherds Thankfulness: To God: Before Receiving Food, by Jesus Thankfulness: To God: Blind Bartimaeus Thankfulness: To God: One of the Ten Lepers Whom Jesus Healed Thankfulness: To God: The Demon-Possessed Man Who Was Exorcized Thankfulness: To God: The Lame Man Healed by Peter Thankfulness: To God: The Man Who Was Paralyzed Thankfulness: To God: The Roman Centurion for his Boy Thankfulness: To God: The Woman Who Was Bent Over for Eighteen Years Thankfulness: To the Men of Jabesh-Gilead Related Terms |