Luke 17 gives the account of Jesus healing the ten lepers. One of the most convicting statements to me in that passage was Christ’s question to the man who returned to give Him thanks: “Where are the nine?”
What really gripped my heart from that question is the fresh realization that Jesus considers our lack of response to the many blessings He lavishes upon us.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.—Psalm 68:19
So how do we give Him thanks?
What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?—Psalm 116:12
1. Obey His Word
Giving thanks unto the Lord assumes that we do indeed follow Him as our Lord.
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?—Luke 6:46
2. Give Him Offerings
One of the best ways to express thanksgiving is through thankful giving. Out of gratitude for what the Lord has done for you, give an extra offering to Him—invest in His work, or give to someone in need in His name.
Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.—1 Chronicles 16:29
3. Verbally Thank Him in Prayer
Our verbal expressions of gratitude are a sacrifice of praise to Him.
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.—Hebrews 13:15
4. Thank People He Has Used in Your Life
Take some time today to express gratitude to others who God has used in your life—your family, friends, teachers, mentors, spiritual leaders. Thank them for their investment in you, and tell them specifically how God has used them to provide for, encourage, and strengthen you.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,—Philippians 1:3
Thanksgiving at its best is thanks giving. Give the Lord thanks!
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!—Psalm 107:8
