Gratitude in Two Parts

I figured that I should submit at least one random thought for consideration under the pretence of Thanksgiving. Like Christmas, Thanksgiving can often be one of the most depressing days of the entire year. People utter "thanks" through gritted teeth as they consider all the unwanted gifts they have received in the past year: monotony, lack of appreciation, broken relationships, even death.

The Christian should not become bogged down on days such as this one. Instead, we recognize that gratitude involves two points of reflection: the gift given and the recipient of the gift. We often thank God for His grace in Jesus Christ, but don't ponder why His grace is so great. When we think upon the laundry list of life's sorrows and woes, we see the shadow of our sin as God casts His light upon us. Instead of gritting our teeth and grieving, we give thanks that in spite of our sin and the brokenness of our world, God has lavished His grace upon His children.

"Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship." (Rom. 12:1)

We cannot out-sin God's grace, though we sure try. Grace is God's demerited favor toward rebels, and our gratitude should be informed by that fact. Let us live accordingly.