There are different words used in scripture with different meanings and specific purposes. Thanksgiving relates to God’s deeds, what He has done. The NT regularly speaks of thanksgiving that can be done in one’s heart and in private. As opposed to the Hebrew references for Praise which speaks of being public and open.
Thanksgiving occurs when we breathe a prayer of thanks to God. The Hebrew word most commonly translated as thanks in the OT comes from the Hebrew word for hand. That is the reason God’s people lifted up their hands to God.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:15-20: We are told to Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Messiah Yeshua for you. Do not quench the Spirit. From this we learn that if we don’t give thanks, we are out of God’s will.
But some think we should give thanks for everything good, bad or indifferent. 1 John 3:8…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. If Jesus came to destroy the works of the Devil, then obviously the Devil has been working.
The Bible does not command us to give thanks for the work of the Devil but only for the work of God. Also, in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – it says “in everything give thanks” not “for everything”. We don’t give thanks for everything but rather in the midst of everything.
Yeshua gave thanks that the Father sent Him to take the cup of suffering; for it was through His suffering that He made it possible for us to have forgiveness of sin and abundant life. As He was called so too are we.
Thanksgiving is a fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:20, Thanksgiving is a demonstration of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Thanksgiving is the first stage of our approach to the throne of God – Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Thanksgiving goes with our prayers – Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Thanksgiving strengthens our faith in the Father. It is important for us to give thanks to God for His blessings to us.
