Thanksgiving is more than a cherished holiday on the calendar; it is a profound spiritual practice deeply rooted in Scripture. For Christians, the Thanksgiving holiday provides an opportunity to reflect on what the Bible teaches about thanksgiving and also how to tangibly apply that teaching in our homes. Here are seven biblical themes of thanksgiving and then seven practical ways to express thanksgiving during this season and throughout the year.

Thanksgiving in Scripture

1. Thanksgiving for God’s Goodness

Thanksgiving in Scripture is often a response to recognizing the goodness of God. From the opening chapters of Genesis, God’s creation reflects his generosity and provision. Humanity’s response should naturally be one of gratitude. The psalmist writes:

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 107:1). God’s goodness is the bedrock of biblical thanksgiving. Whether we are experiencing seasons of abundance or scarcity, his goodness remains unchanging. Recognizing this fundamental truth helps us cultivate a heart of gratitude.

2. Thanksgiving in Worship

Throughout the Bible, thanksgiving is tied closely to worship. In the Old Testament, the Israelites offered sacrifices of thanksgiving as part of their worship practices (Leviticus 7:12-15). In the Psalms, we see thanksgiving incorporated into songs of praise and adoration: “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 9:1). In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to be overflowing with thankfulness as a key aspect of worship: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). Worship and thanksgiving go hand in hand, as we remember and proclaim the greatness of God.

3. Thanksgiving in Deliverance

Thanksgiving frequently follows deliverance in Scripture. When God rescues his people, their response is one of gratitude. The Exodus story is a prime example: after God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, they sang a song of thanksgiving, praising him for his mighty deeds (Exodus 15). In the New Testament, thanksgiving takes on an even deeper significance in the context of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul writes: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). The ultimate reason for thanksgiving is found in the redemption we have through Christ, which guarantees eternal life and reconciliation with God.

4. Thanksgiving in All Circumstances

One of the most challenging biblical teachings on thanksgiving is the call to give thanks in all circumstances: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This doesn’t mean we are thankful for hardships but that we recognize God’s presence, provision, and purpose even in the midst of trials. This perspective shifts our focus from temporary struggles to eternal hope, strengthening our faith and dependence on God.

5. Thanksgiving and Generosity

Thanksgiving in the Bible often leads to generosity. Gratitude for God’s blessings overflows into a desire to bless others. This connection is clear in Paul’s teaching to the Corinthians about giving: “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11). As we recognize God’s provision, we are moved to share his blessings, creating a ripple effect of gratitude and worship.

6. Thanksgiving in Prayer

Prayer and thanksgiving are inseparable in Scripture. When believers approach God in prayer, they are invited to do so with hearts full of gratitude. Paul highlights this rhythm in Colossians 4:2: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Thanksgiving in prayer shifts our focus from our needs to God’s sufficiency. It aligns our hearts with his will and builds our faith as we remember his past faithfulness.

7. Thanksgiving in Eternity

Thanksgiving is not just for this life but will continue in eternity. The book of Revelation gives us a glimpse of the heavenly worship that awaits, where thanksgiving resounds before the throne of God: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Revelation 7:12). In eternity, thanksgiving will find its fullest expression as believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation glorify God in unending praise for his redemptive work.

Thanksgiving in Your Home

As we reflect on the biblical themes of thanksgiving, how can we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in ways that align with these truths? Below are some practical ideas:

1. Start with Gratitude to God

Before diving into the turkey and pie, begin your Thanksgiving celebration with a time of prayer and reflection. As a family or group, take turns sharing specific things you are thankful for, focusing on God’s blessings in your lives.

A simple prayer of thanksgiving could include 3 G’s. Express thanks for:

• God’s Goodness, focusing on his loving and faithful character.
• God’s Grace, focusing on salvation in Jesus Christ.
• God’s Guidance, focusing on his provision and leading throughout the year.

This sets the tone for the day, anchoring your celebration in gratitude to God.

2. Read and Reflect on Scripture

Incorporate Scripture into your Thanksgiving celebration. Passages like Psalm 100:1-5, Philippians 4:6-7, or 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 provide rich insights into the theme of thanksgiving. You might:

• Read a psalm of thanksgiving aloud before the meal.
• Discuss a verse that resonates with you as a group.
• Memorize a thanksgiving-related verse and share what it means.

The simple act of reading Scripture brings an appropriate spiritual focus to any family gathering.

3. Celebrate with Worship

Make worship a central part of your Thanksgiving celebration. Whether through singing hymns, listening to worship music, or attending a church service, expressing gratitude in worship draws our hearts closer to God.

You might include songs like Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, or Jesus, Thank You in your family gathering. If you are not used to singing together in your home as a family, it might feel a little awkward the first time, but just give it a try. You don’t have to be musically gifted to offer a song of thanksgiving (Psalm 95:1-2).

4. Create a “Gratitude Jar” or Wall

In the days or even weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, create a space for everyone in your home to write down things they are thankful for. This could be a jar filled with notes or a wall covered in sticky notes. On Thanksgiving Day, take time to read them together and celebrate God’s blessings. By spreading out the time for recording the things you are thankful for, you will not only be able to generate more items to share, but you will be elongating the number of days you are intentionally reflecting on thankfulness towards God.

5. Give in Gratitude

One of the best ways to express gratitude is by giving to others. The most meaningful gift you can give to someone is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Who in your family, friend circle, or neighborhood can you give a holiday gift to, along with a gospel tract and an invitation to one of our Christmas services at First Baptist?

As we think about how much God has given us, we are also reminded that so many around the world have no access to the gospel message. Pray as a family about how you can express gratitude for your salvation by committing to give to the International Christmas Offering in December so that lost people around the world can also hear the gospel.

6. Create Meaningful Traditions

Building traditions around Thanksgiving can help make the holiday more meaningful. Here are a few ideas:

• Squanto Story: Read the story of Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving to your children or grandchildren so that they not only learn the origins of our Thanksgiving holiday but also the story of God’s providential working to protect his people in bringing the gospel to America.
• Thanksgiving Tablecloth: Use a fabric tablecloth and permanent markers to have guests write what they are thankful for. Over time, this becomes a beautiful record of gratitude and also a reminder of who joined you to celebrate Thanksgiving each year.
• Prayer Walk: Take a walk outdoors as a family and thank God for his creation and the blessings in your lives. Reflect on how God’s handiwork is evident in the natural world around you, and pause along the walk to pray for specific things you’re thankful for.

Traditions like these help reinforce the biblical themes of thanksgiving for future generations.

7. Practice Gratitude Beyond Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving is not meant to be a one-day event but a lifestyle. Use the holiday as a springboard to cultivate a habit of gratitude year-round. Consider:

• Keeping a gratitude journal to record daily blessings.
• Incorporating thanksgiving into your regular prayer time.
• Setting a time each week as a family to reflect on and share what you are thankful for.

Remembering what Scripture teaches about thanksgiving, and then intentionally incorporating some of these practical ideas into your family’s Thanksgiving celebration will not only enrich your holiday but your entire life.