ThankfulnessNäide

Sharing our thankfulness with others

Being thankful is a personal emotion or attitude. We can’t be thankful on behalf of someone else. But we can share our thankfulness with others! The Bible gives multiple examples. David says that he is “proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your [=God’s] wondrous deeds” (Psalm 26:7). In another Psalm, he is thankful that God has delivered him from a dangerous situation. He exclaims: “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations” (Psalm 57:9).

Sharing with others how good God is, honors Him. Just as we ask others to pray for us when we have difficulties, it is good to share with them how God has blessed us. Just as we are to “rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15), we can be thankful with those who have reason to say thanks.

Moreover, thanking the Lord in “the great congregation” can encourage others by pointing them to God’s goodness. Especially if those fellow believers are struggling with faith doubts or despondency, it can help them to see the Lord at work in your life.

Is there something you are thankful for right now, that you could share with others?