RR Thanksgiving By David Harwood

Shabbat Shalom,

Gratitude is an essential aspect of humility’s foundation. Humility opens the door for increased favor. A nuance of charis is thankfulness.

Sinners love (agape) those who love (agape) them (Luke 6:32). People favor (charis/grace) those who favor them. An example of charis, as gratitude in everyday life, is found in the saying of “grace” before a meal.

Recognizing Father’s favor in granting provision, Yeshua gave thanks (Matthew 15:36). The Greek word is euCHARISteo. Notice charis in the word? The word, eu-CHARIS-teo, describes Yeshua blessing the matzah and the cup. It is the origin of the word euCHARISt.

Here’s a suggested progression of charis describing favor towards God:

You have shown me favor (charis), and since You favored (charis) me, You have found favor (charis) with me. Because you demonstrated favor to me, thank (euCHARISteo) You.

The Spanish word for “thank you” maintains the sense of grace in gratitude: Gracias.

Have you received favor? Return favor to the One who favored you. It’s relational, reciprocal, favor. After all, what can we do for the God who favors us? Appreciate Him and what He’s done.

Gratitude expresses humility. Humility is a key to maintaining the experience of favor.

But He gives greater grace (charis/favor). Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace (charis/favor) to the humble.” (James 4:6)

Consider ingratitude and its consequences.

Nebuchadnezzar was warned that he would lose his mind if he did not acknowledge the Most High (Daniel 4:22). What was his response?

the king exclaimed, “Is this not the great Babylon that I have built as the royal residence by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:27)

Judgment fell. Afterwards, the king recognized the Most High’s dominion. The result? His sanity and position were restored, and he offered praise to the one who humbled him. (Daniel 4:31–34).

In Romans 1:21-25 we find that the downward spiral into cultural insanity begins with a refusal to give God thanks.

... though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or give Him thanks (euCHARISteo). Instead, their thinking became futile, and their senseless hearts were made dark. Claiming to be wise, they became fools. (Romans 1:21–22)

Recognizing God’s favor, and returning favor (gratitude) to Him, is a measure of spiritual mental health. Gratitude is a means of maintaining sanity. Gratitude is a manifestation of humility.

We’ve been saved by favor and stand in favor. Gratitude for favor helps keep our love for God alive. Gratitude also helps us sustain our love for others. Paul’s gratitude (euCHARISteo) for the brethren can be found here:  Romans 1:8; Philippians 1:3; Philemon 4–5; 1 Thessalonians 2:13. He also gave thanks (charis) to the one who strengthened him (1 Timothy 1:12a).

When we sow thanks (euCHARISteo) in response to favor (charis), we reap more reasons for giving thanks. Thanksgiving is related to humility and God gives favor/grace to the humble.

Gratitude is also a means of enduring trial.  James instructed us to consider it all joy when we’re in various trials.” (James 1:2–4).

How to count it “all joy”? Give thanks. For instance: “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to sanctify Your name in the middle of this mess.” Or/and “Thank You for the opportunity to grow as I remain faithful to You and Your word.” And/or “Thank you for the opportunity to receive strength to overcome.”

Another cause for gratitude is the manifestations of favor (charisma) that enable us to be faithful and fruitful as we await the Messiah’s return. (1 Corinthians 1:4–8). Also, at the beginnings of the eschaton we find that gratitude is a primary response to Messiah’s  end-time triumph.

 “We thank (euCHARISteo) you, Adonai Elohei-Tzva’ot, who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and begun to reign. (Revelation 11:17)

Until that day, “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks (euCHARISteo)  to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17) How? At the most basic level, thanking God for the opportunity to do anything is a worthwhile exercise.

Gratitude is a measure of our spiritual mental health and a means of maintaining sanity. In our right minds, let’s remember to give thanks to God for our salvation, the coming kingdom, every blessing we’ve received, the brethren and for our specific callings... In fact, for everything you can think of.  As we do, we are expressing favor towards God and can have faith that we will reap what we sow towards Him.

Father favors you. Return His favor. Give thanks. Reap favor.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat29-Nov-20259th of Kislev, 5786 Parashat Vayetzei
Ge 31:43-32:2(3)Hos 12:12(13)-14:9(10)Jn 1:43-51