RR Gratitude for Favor By David Harwood

Shabbat Shalom,

Every blessing we’ve received manifests Father’s favor (charis/grace). Let’s acknowledge this through offering gratitude.

Although I’ve found no specific verse mandating gratitude for favor, it is certainly reasonable to give thanks. After all, we are beckoned to bless God and give thanks in all circumstances. Certainly, it is appropriate to thank Him for favor.

in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Messiah Yeshua. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

I wrote this in July of ‘25. I thought I’d bring it back to give some background.

Charis may be used in conveying thanks. Gratitude is an expression of favor. It is elicited by someone, or something, that is worth favoring.

An example of charis, as gratitude in everyday life, is found in the saying of “grace” before a meal. When Yeshua gave thanks for seven loaves and some small fish, the Greek word is euCHARISteo. Notice charis in the word? ...

Here’s a suggested progression of this use of charis:

“You have shown me favor in what you have given, and you have found favor with me because you demonstrated favor to me. Thank you.”

Every good thing we receive has its origins in our unchanging Father. May that reality stir us to express gratitude to the Giver.

David blessed the Lord for deliverance.

Adonai lives! And blessed be my Rock! Exalted be God— the Rock of my salvation! God—He gives me vengeance and brings down peoples under me. He brings me out from my enemies. Indeed You lift me up above those who rise up against me. You deliver me from the violent man. Therefore I praise You among the nations, Adonai, and will sing praises to Your name. (2 Samuel 22:47–50)

Is there any question that the victory David received was a result of God’s favor? Stephen proclaimed that David was favored by God. When God saw him, He liked who He saw.

David, who found favor in God’s sight. (Acts 7:45b–46a)

Because of vindication, rescue, and victory David gave thanks. We, too, can give thanks for every manifestation of favor.

In 2 Corinthians 1:10-11, Paul and Timothy exemplified gratitude for God’s rescuing work. They recognized that their deliverance was connected to prayer and referred to that deliverance as a charisma, a manifestation of charis. They expected that, as a result, many would give thanks (eucharisteo) for this gracious gift.

He who rescued us from so great a danger of death will continue to rescue us—we have set our hope on Him that He will rescue us again. You also are helping by your prayer for us, so that from many people thanks (eucharisteo) may be given on our behalf for the gracious gift (charisma – a manifestation of favor) given us through the help of many. (2 Corinthians 1:10–11)

I am profoundly grateful for the saving charis (favor), I’ve experienced. God has showed us His saving favor. Thanksgiving is appropriate.

But we should always give thanks (eucharisteo) to God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits for salvation through sanctification by the Ruach and belief in the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

V’imru (let us say), “Amen. Thank You, Lord, for saving favor! Thank You for saving me! Your charis is wonderful.”

An example of offering praise to God for delivering favor is found in the immediate aftermath of Israel walking through the sea on dry land.

Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dancing, as Miriam sang to them: Sing to Adonai, for He is highly exalted! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea! (Exodus 15:20–21)

Let’s not wait. We’ve received favor. Let’s thank Him.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sat21-Feb-20264th of Adar, 5786 Parashat Terumah
Ex 27:9-19, 30:11-16 1 Ki 5:26-6:13Heb 8:1-6