Gratitude is greater than a sense; it’s a lifestyle. True thanksgiving requires us to act on our appreciation for what we’ve been given. This Thanksgiving, allow us to commit to living out our gratitude through the next actions:
1. Pray for Our Nation and Leaders
The Bible calls us to intercede for our leaders and our country: “If my people, who’re called by my name, will humble themselves and pray…then I’ll hear from heaven, and I’ll forgive their sin and can heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Prayer is an important act of gratitude and faith, especially as we navigate challenges as a nation.
Notice this call to prayer features a call to repent. We must at all times do not forget that what we desire must be preceded by our own inner reflection and a capability to take responsibility for what we’ve done incorrectly and where we’ve gone fallacious. We must say I’m sorry. We must acknowledge a necessity for forgiveness, not only scream our desires for what we wish. If you run a automobile right into a tree, you may’t just turn and say dad, give me one other one with none remorse or awareness of what you probably did fallacious. This careless inability to be self-aware won’t ever lead you to a blessing, to a healed life, or to a nation of abundance. Only through repentance and deep awareness of our own need for forgiveness can we learn to be truly thankful for all we’ve got. Thanksgiving is rooted on this journey from inner reflection to gratitude.
2. Serve Others
Gratitude is best expressed through service. Whether volunteering, supporting local charities, or helping neighbors in need, we fulfill Christ’s teaching: “It is more blessed to offer than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Service demonstrates our thankfulness for what we’ve got by sharing it with others. As we serve one another, our communities unite.
3. Participate in Democracy
Freedom just isn’t self-sustaining; it requires lively stewardship. It requires gratitude for what freedom is and for what living here on this nation means. Our values are value fighting for and worthy of being thankful for. As residents, we’ve got a responsibility to remain informed, vote, and hold leaders accountable. Protecting the blessings of liberty ensures that future generations will inherit the identical opportunities we enjoy today.
4. Teach the Next Generation
Our children must understand the sacrifices that built this nation. We must teach them our history rooted in understanding our failures, our lessons, and our shared victories. Share the story of Thanksgiving with them, highlighting the religion, perseverance, and gratitude of the Pilgrims. Teach them that America is a land where dreams are possible, but freedom should be cherished and defended. We are most thankful when we’ve got fought to attain the things we desire.
Photo Credit: Getty/Mladen Zivkovic
