Be sure to sign up for the short-run free email devotional Give Thanks. Each inspirational email contains a Bible story that illustrates an important lesson about gratitude and thankfulness, as well as brief reflection questions to help you think through what you’ve just read. You can enjoy the readings on your own or use them as the basis for a group discussion with your family or friends.
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Elizabeth
Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, was thankful that God blessed her with a baby even though she was long beyond child-bearing age (Luke 1:5-25).
Mary
Mary gave thanks for being chosen to be the mother of the incarnate Son of God (Luke 1:46-55).
Jesus
Jesus gave thanks to the Father:
- before feeding the 5,000 (John 6:11)
- before raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:41)
- before drinking the wine, and again before eating the bread at the Last Supper (Luke 22:17, 19)
- when he said, “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” (Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21)
Paul
In nine of his letters to churches, Paul explicitly gives thanks for the faith, love, steadfastness, spiritual gifts, partnership in the gospel, or affection of the recipients of the letter (Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, Philemon, 2 Timothy).
David
King David prayed, “Wealth and honor come from you … We give you thanks, and praise your glorious name … Everything comes from you” (1 Chronicles 29:12-13).
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