Blessing is one thing, giving thanks is another. And on top of all of that there is still our offering to God. But these three aspects are connected in a different way than some might think. Here are references from seven divine services.
“Everything we have we owe to God,” Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider emphasised. “Thankfulness is the key to more blessing.” He said that thankfulness safeguards against the tendency to take the gifts of God for granted, appreciating them less and less, and always wanting more.
Giving thanks is more than praise. This also includes appreciating what we have and using it and sharing it with others. “Let us give Him something. Let’s bring our offerings.” But not out of obligation or guilt, nor out of calculation, but out of joy. Because sharing is the greatest joy.
Offering out of fear of not being blessed? This is the wrong approach. The Chief Apostle made this very clear in a divine service about God’s goodness and our offering as an answer.
Gifts are a mission and to be shared. “So, use your abilities and skills to serve the Lord in many ways. Use them to do good. You don’t need to give all your money to the poor. Enjoy your money. That is okay. But don’t forget God, don’t forget your neighbour.”
Giving thanks to God? In difficult times this may not come to us so easily. Yet it is part of the battle against the crisis, the Chief Apostle says. He explained how we can manage this and what we get out of it ourselves: a divine service in two groups of five thoughts. Giving thanks? Now is precisely the time!
The Chief Apostle explained how gratitude can be a blessing for people with regard to the natural world and spiritual life: How gratitude strengthens faith.
The ultimate sacrifice was brought by Jesus Christ. So what use are our offerings and sacrifices? Here are five good reasons for them, and what they mean for the giver. Giving to God – what counts is our heart.
Photo: Marcel Felde