Thankfulness(gratitude)
Summary
Thankfulness is the proper response of believers to God's goodness, commanded throughout Scripture as essential to worship and Christian living.
☩Commanded Response
Scripture repeatedly commands thankfulness. 'In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.' Believers are to enter God's gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Failure to give thanks is identified as a mark of ungodliness, for though people knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks.
☩Expression in Worship
Thanksgiving characterized Israel's worship. The Levites stood every morning to thank and praise the Lord. Thank offerings were presented at the sanctuary. The psalmist declares, 'I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the name of the Lord.' Thanksgiving should accompany prayer and overflow in all circumstances.
