Thanksgiving is different from sharing a testimony. Everything has a meaning in the kingdom. And you stand to enjoy maximum benefits when you understand why we do something in the kingdom.
Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13 And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
14 So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.
17 So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there, not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:11-19.
Testimony translates the Greek word Martyria. We derive the English word martyr from it. Martyria means to witness. It also means that which furnishes proof or evidence, as in, one with first-hand knowledge of what has happened. In the English language, a martyr is defined as one who is killed because of their beliefs.
However, a martyr is one who is primarily a witness. He furnishes proof that something has taken place. Thanksgiving is different in purpose. Thanksgiving translates the Greek word Eucharista. It means gratitude and offering thanks for favor and mercy received. It also means thankfulness from one’s consciousness of the benefit received.
God Expects Thanksgiving From His Church
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
We often assume that sharing a testimony is the same thing as thanksgiving. There is a role that each of them plays in the body of Christ. We are primarily witnesses of Christ to the world. But we give thanks to the Father for what He has done and even continues to do in our lives. It is an intentional act of gratitude.
Thanksgiving is integral in our fellowship with the Lord. Jesus was surprised that after ten people were healed, only one came to offer thanksgiving. Giving thanks exalts the glory of God. It is an appreciation of what He has done. Testimonies are to provide the evidence that God has done or can do something. It differs from specifically thanking Him for what He has done.
Sharing a testimony (witnessing) is one medium God uses to reach the lost. Thanksgiving is the medium to express the glory and the beauty of God. The church ought to know that thanksgiving is part of our worship. It is fine to offer proof of what God has done and can do, but we must specifically thank Him for doing those things. We must be intentional about our thanksgiving to Lord. He has done so much for us we cannot deny His glory. We are beneficiaries of the Lord’s goodness..
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good – For His [a]mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1.
God’s compassion is always available to bless us with what we need. Thanksgiving intentionally glorifies God and exalts Him for accomplishing great feats in our lives. Many share testimonies with the view of expressing thanks. But our testimony serves the purpose of drawing the attention of our world to Christ.
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8.
We receive the ability to witness when the Holy Spirit comes into us. Therefore, let us continually offer thanksgiving for what God has done in our lives. And let also continue to witness to our world the gospel of Jesus Christ. Stay blessed.
Read Further: 2 Corinthians 4:15
Prayer For Today
Glorious Father, I thank you in the name of Jesus Christ for all that you have done in my life. I’m grateful for life and for the ability to live to fulfill your will. Thank you for being there for me. Amen.
