Thanksgiving, a profound expression of gratitude, is a central theme in Christian theology and practice. It is not merely a seasonal observance but a continual attitude of the heart, especially in response to the immeasurable gift of Jesus Christ. The New Testament, particularly the Pauline epistles, emphasizes the importance of thanksgiving in the life of a believer, highlighting it as a response to the grace and salvation offered through Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul frequently exhorts believers to give thanks, particularly in relation to the redemptive work of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 9:15, Paul exclaims, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" . This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian thanksgiving, directing it towards the divine gift of Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection provide the foundation for salvation and eternal life.

The Gift of Christ

The gift of Christ is multifaceted, encompassing His incarnation, atoning sacrifice, resurrection, and ongoing intercession. Each aspect of Christ's work is a cause for thanksgiving. In Ephesians 1:3, Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms" . This passage underscores the comprehensive nature of the blessings believers receive through Christ, prompting a response of gratitude.

Thanksgiving in Worship and Prayer

Thanksgiving is integral to Christian worship and prayer. Philippians 4:6 instructs believers, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" . Here, thanksgiving is not an isolated act but is woven into the fabric of prayer, reflecting a heart that acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness.

A Life of Thanksgiving

The call to thanksgiving extends beyond verbal expressions to encompass a lifestyle marked by gratitude. Colossians 3:17 states, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" . This verse highlights that thanksgiving should permeate every aspect of a believer's life, influencing actions and attitudes.

Thanksgiving as a Witness

Thanksgiving for the gift of Christ also serves as a powerful witness to the world. A life characterized by gratitude reflects the transformative power of the Gospel and draws others to the source of that gratitude. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul writes, "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" . This directive not only encourages personal spiritual growth but also serves as a testimony to the hope and joy found in Christ.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving, as a response to the gift of Christ, is a vital aspect of Christian faith and practice. It is an acknowledgment of God's grace and a reflection of a heart transformed by the Gospel. Through thanksgiving, believers honor God, deepen their relationship with Him, and bear witness to His love and mercy in the world.2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Christ's Strange Thanksgiving
... Well might He lift up His solemn thanksgiving to God ... hiding if we understand what
it is which is offered. ... loftier all its attributes, the nobler should be, may ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/christs strange thanksgiving.htm

Mrs. Hsi's Gift
... human agency by which the Divine Will should now fulfil ... her heart sang a song of
thanksgiving as she ... She had offered her only worldly treasures, articles which ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter i mrs hsis gift.htm

Jesus Living at Nazareth and visiting Jerusalem in his Twelfth ...
... in the form of bread (Leviticus 23:17), were offered. ... It was observed as a thanksgiving
for the blessings ... that they had forgotten anything"should they find ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvi jesus living at nazareth.htm

Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion
... rule, burnt offering was only to be offered there ... the art of the apothecary": the
thanksgiving which is ... and every recreation, the soul should spontaneously pour ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/praises and vows accepted in.htm

Thanksgiving to God for the Pardon Granted to the Offenders ...
... Thanksgiving to God for the pardon granted to the ... death of a sinner, but that he
should be converted ... Now already from the beginning God offered us instruction ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xii thanksgiving to god.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... and we place its proper action in thanksgiving and intreaty. ... of the world, because,
after he had offered a sacrifice ... the bond of that union, and should pour it ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration.
... And for their sakes He now solemnly offered Himself, consecrated' or sanctified ... Matthew
11:25-27 is a brief thanksgiving. ... [5802] The word also' should be struck ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi the last discourses.htm

Strengthened with Might
... gift, offered to each of us, is offered on conditions ... Christ, if you would that the
Spirit should bear rule ... Ask and use, and the ancient thanksgiving may still ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/strengthened with might.htm

Thanksgiving Versus Complaining
... thanks upon the reception of any gift, however trifling ... And surely we should no less
give thanks to ... that a little genuine praise and thanksgiving offered to Him ...
/.../smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 15 thanksgiving versus complaining.htm

Pentecost
... to the word of the Saviour, the disciples offered their supplications ... Words of
thanksgiving and of prophecy were heard ... is on My right hand, that I should not be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 4 pentecost.htm

What were the various sacrifices in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about thankfulness/gratitude? | GotQuestions.org

What are the psalms of praise? | GotQuestions.org

Thanksgiving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus