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(OPINION) Have you ever considered that we could be thankful and never give thanks? Imagine having a heart full of gratitude but never expressing your thankfulness.

A search of the New Testament for the words “thanks,” “thanksgiving” and “thankful” reveals some interesting finds.

In the CSB, I counted the word “thanks” 38 times, “thanksgiving” eight times and “thankful” two times. When the word “thanks” appeared, it was usually used in the phrase “give (or giving) thanks.”

The New Testament’s directive of giving thanks is aimed at an action, not just a feeling. While there is nothing wrong with being thankful – in fact, God’s people are called to be thankful – we are called to be people of action. One of those acts is expressing thanks.

This is another way to find the blessing of giving even as we receive.

While it may seem small to say thank you, it is not. Words of gratitude and appreciation stoke the fire of kindness, service and love in others.

Doesn’t a word of thanks encourage you? Maybe someone notices your good work, a fresh idea or a helpful perspective. You leave the conversation encouraged when some acknowledges you with a word of thanks.

Many of us have been greatly encouraged by the words of thanks we’ve received when visiting someone facing deep sorrow or a physical challenge.

As we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, I must admit that for many years I took for granted the preparation and investment made by parents and grandparents as they planned important family gatherings.

Now, being more involved in the planning and preparation, I realize those magical moments take weeks, maybe months, of work.

How many times did I receive and never even utter a word of thanks? Too many.

Why is this?

It’s not always for sinister reasons. Sometimes we just don’t know the sacrifice and investment required to accomplish a project.

Yes, some may act out of entitlement, I fear that most fall guilty of taking the blessings God and others give us for granted. We expect God will provide for us. We expect family and friends will watch out for us and make sure we get what we need (even want).

When we take these gifts for granted, we usually fail to express thanks. We don’t take the time to appreciate how someone else has been thinking of us and looking for ways to serve us. And we miss the opportunity to serve them by giving them a word of thanks.

As I have many reasons to express thanks to the people in my life, I have more reason to offer thanks to God. In Psalm 50:23, we’re told this is a way to honor God.

When I express thanks to God, I acknowledge His work and character.

Consider John 3:16 where we learn that God gave His Son so that we may have forgiveness and eternal life through Him.

Think for a moment about how Peter calls God “the God of all grace” in 1 Peter 5:10, meaning He generously gives grace for every circumstance to those who call on Him.

What can we give Him in return except our thanks? With God, expressing our thanks is a primary act of the worship He desires and deserves.

Take a moment to be thankful, but don’t miss the opportunities you have to express that thanks.

This piece has been republished with permission from Baptist Press.

Brandon Porter serves as Vice President for Communications at the SBC Executive Committee.