Thanksgiving

The offering of thanks, especially for gifts received. Scripture emphasises the importance of giving thanks to God for all his gifts and works, both as an expression of our dependence upon him and gratitude to him.

Thanksgiving is sometimes linked with praise to God

Psalm 69:30 See also 1 Chronicles 16:4; Psalm 42:4, Psalm 100:4

I will praise God’s name in song and exalt Him with thanksgiving.

The duty of thanksgiving to God

1 Timothy 4:3–4 See also Psalm 107:8–9, Psalm 147:7–9; Luke 17:17–18; Romans 1:20–21, Romans 14:6

They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected,

The expression of thanksgiving to God

Through OT offerings

Psalm 50:14 See also Leviticus 7:12–15; Jonah 2:9

Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.

In Christian gatherings

1 Corinthians 10:16 See also 1 Corinthians 10:30, 1 Corinthians 14:16–17

Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?

Through song

Psalm 95:2 See also 1 Chronicles 16:7–9; Ezra 3:11; Nehemiah 12:8, Nehemiah 12:24, Nehemiah 12:27, Nehemiah 12:46; Psalm 147:7; Isaiah 51:3; Jeremiah 30:19; Ephesians 5:19–20

Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song.

Through prayer

1 Timothy 2:1 See also Nehemiah 11:17; Daniel 6:10

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—

Through giving

2 Corinthians 9:11–12

You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will produce thanksgiving to God. For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

In conversation

See also Ephesians 5:4

Believers are to give thanks in all circumstances

1 Thessalonians 5:18 See also Philippians 4:6; Colossians 3:17

Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Thanksgiving for the blessings of salvation

1 Corinthians 15:57 See also Romans 7:24–25; 2 Corinthians 2:14 for victory through Christ; 2 Corinthians 4:15 for God's grace; 2 Corinthians 9:15 for Jesus Christ himself; Colossians 1:12, Colossians 2:6–7 for union with Christ

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Examples of those who gave thanks to God

Jesus Christ

Matthew 14:19 parallel Luke 9:16; Mark 8:6; Luke 24:30; 1 Corinthians 11:24

Paul

Acts 28:15; Romans 6:17; Ephesians 1:16; 1 Timothy 1:12

Heavenly beings

Revelation 4:9, Revelation 7:12, Revelation 11:17