In every situation no matter what the circumstances, be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus, quoted from the book of Thessalonians from the bible.
The Top 5:
#5 - It's a basic responsibility and obligation to offer Thanksgiving.
From the perspective of human nature, It is just right to give Thanks to someone who have done something good to you, whether that's a favor asked, or it was freely given.
It just feel right, as well as it's a basic instinct to be thankful by showing care and gratitude. Imagine when someone tried to open the door for you because your hands are full -- it's automatic, you say THANKS to them.
While we as humans tend to say thanks to people, all the more that we should give Thanks to someone who we believe as our Creator - and that is the God Almighty.
#4 - It's a commandment, a will from God.
This is anchored from the book of Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 18: In every situation, be thankful and continually give Thanks to God for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
On a personal note, I do understand that each of us has their own beliefs and faith - some of us are Christians- some are not, some listeners may be Atheists, or Muslims, or a member of tribal faiths or denominations, we are not here to shove this teaching or create divisions, we are just merely professing and sharing. Nevertheless, we strive to create altruistic values for the good of mankind.
#3 - Thanksgiving is a source of prosperity for the life ahead.
The Iglesia Ni Cristo believes that giving thanks is not merely saying the words "Thank you Dear God" or praises of thanks through prayers. It's also accompanied with Signing Hymns of praises, of thanksgiving, and most of all, giving monetary offerings.
Some people thought that INC requires 10 percent of member's income as a form of tithe or offerings. That is not true - In fact, we give offerings based on our heart's desire. This is anchored from the book of Corinthians:
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
#2 - Thanksgiving is a token of gratitude to God.
When we offer thanks to Him, He is glorified. If you're familiar with the story of the nine lepers, surely we can attest that being grateful for what we have receive is indeeed satisfying from the eyes of God.
Let's not be one of the nine lepers who were unngrateful and did not return to say their gratitude. But instead, let's imitate one of the 10 lepers who came back and proclaimed, "Glory to God, I am healed"!.
Surely, the Bible says in the book of Psalms
Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing
When we offer thanksgiving, you don’t hide what the Lord has done; tell Him what He has done for you not because He doesn’t know or He has forgotten, but to show appreciation.
#1 - Thanksgiving is a way of reminiscing the Goodness of the God Almighty
2023 as a wrap for each of us, to you or for your family, friends, acquaintances or loved ones is truly unique.
We had our own shares of victories and struggles.
Remember when we got sick, and possibly some even got hospitalized. We were at our lowest point, hopeless as it may, but we chose to hold on to the sanity of our minds, we chose hope, and we reached out deep in the corners of our heart to God. Here we are right now, still thankful and looking forward to what the future awaits.
However, some of us, may have been orphaned this year, some of your loved ones or close to your heart may have passed away this year. It was truly heart breaking. Hearing the news about someone passing away is one of the life changing episodes in our lives, but we chose to move forward and heal the grief, we chose to look at the brighter side and process acceptance. We are thankful no matter what.
Some of us may have lost their jobs or source of living, it's the stormy stage of our lives… financial burdens is quite hard to carry, putting food to the table for the sake of our families and letting them see you still, with a smile, despite the hurt and heartaches we carry in the background. Above all these, we chose to step a little bit more, we chose to fight the battle and carry on for hope, until our prayers were heard. That is indeed, something to be thankful for.
Others may have experienced mental breakdown because of the outpouring trials in life. The difficulties and stressors, the seemingly insurmountable problems we have encountered. That sometimes we were at the edge of losing it because it's already too much. We cried in the corner of our room, alone with tears flowing down our face. However, we did not give up, we recalled that life is still beautiful, that life is something we should live - not only during sunshine but as well as even on rainy days.
Thanksgiving is indeed a way of reminiscing and remembering how grateful we are, for we have passed through the sorrows and tribulations in our journey. We are thankful because no matter what we've been through this year 2023, we are still here. Lonesome as it may, powerful for some as it may, contented as it may, joyous because of the achievements as it may, proud and comfortable as it may, romantically happy for some as it may, financially capable as it may…..
The list goes on… but the bottomline is, we chose to be thankful no matter what.
~ O
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