Thanksgiving (εὐχαριστία) is derived from the concept of ‘good grace’. It is an attitude of gratitude, expressing appreciation.
As grace spreads, it produces thanksgiving in expressing a proper opinion of God (2 Corinthians 4:15). Through sharing physically things to meet the needs among the saints, thanksgiving to God abounds (2 Corinthians 9:12). In contrast to filthiness, foolish talking, and coarse jesting, Christians are to express an attitude of gratitude as they walk in love towards their fellow saints (Ephesians 5:4). Let no one deceive you with empty words. Although we once were darkness, we are now light in the Lord and are therefore we are to walk as the children of the light (Ephesians 5:6-8).
Those who base their salvation on the gospel of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) belong to God. Therefore, rather than being anxious, in everything by prayer and supplication, after giving thanks, we are to let our requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6). It is the peace of God that guards our hearts and the working of our minds keeping us unruffled in our thoughts concerning the things of this world (Philippians 4:7). Let us not seek after changing our appearance or social status in light of salvation. Instead, we are to walk in a manner worthy of our Lord in the same state in which we received salvation. Thus, being rooted and built up in Him we are established in the faith, abounding with thanksgiving (Colossians 2:6-7).
We are in the times that the Holy Spirit expressly foretold would be a time when many will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and the teachings of demons. From among them will rise teachers who have their conscience seared, speak hypocritically, forbid marriage, and demand abstaining from foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:1-4). However, for those who believe the truth, all food is to be received with thanksgiving, for it is sanctified by God through our supplication (1 Timothy 4:4).
Thanksgiving in the life of a Christian is the result of being Spiritual. Spiritual is a state of being in which the saint is using their rational to seek after and fulfill the desires from the Holy Spirit. We are to remain alert, attaching ourselves to prayer in thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2). Therefore, in our communication to God, we are to supplicate and intercede on behalf of all men so that we may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
