Sometimes we may read passage like some of these below and think to ourselves, “Of course, we should be thankful. I am very thankful for all that God has done for me.” But, are these verses talking about being thankful? Is it enough just to be thankful? Think about the thrust of these words:
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:17).
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18).
“Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 5:20).
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Phil. 4:6).
The word “thankful” is not found in any of these passages. In fact, in the entirety of your Bible, you will only find the word “thankful” three times. On the other hand, the concept of “thanksgiving” and “giving thanks” can be read in more than 100 verses. That is not to say that being thankful for God and all He has done is not important. Romans 1:21 condemns some who were not thankful, and Colossians 3:15 calls upon Christians to be thankful. But, one can be thankful for something and never express thanksgiving.
In Luke 17, there were ten lepers who were healed by Jesus. Can you imagine having leprosy? On top of that, can you imagine the emotional trauma of being ostracized from society? Then, in an instant, you are cleansed completely. Would you be thankful? Of course! Absolutely! But, the next question is, would you give thanks? Of the ten lepers who were healed, only one returned, “fell down on his face at [Jesus’] feet, giving Him thanks” (17:16). Thankfulness is different than thanksgiving.
Too often, you and I pray and ask God for things. Sometimes we are praying for help, guidance, wisdom, protection, deliverance, forgiveness, etc. As His children, we are more than confident that our Father hears us and answers our prayers every time, as He has promised. And for that, we are thankful. But, how often do you fall down before the throne of God and say, “Thank you”?