How True Thanksgiving Inspires Generosity
By: Alex Shipley on | Comments: 0Many of us have gathered around the Thanksgiving dinner table, sharing what we’re thankful for—family, friends, health, home, jobs, and so much more. While these are all wonderful blessings from God that we may truly cherish, our thanksgiving shouldn’t be limited to a single holiday or a fleeting moment of gratitude.
True thanksgiving goes beyond words; it’s a choice to actively live out our gratitude. It calls us to intentionally respond to God's goodness, and it naturally leads to actions that bless others. Throughout the Bible, thanksgiving is closely linked to generosity. When we truly recognize all that God has done for us, our hearts are moved to give freely, reflecting His abundant grace in our own lives.
Thanksgiving as a Foundation of Generosity
In 2 Corinthians 9:11, Paul writes: "You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."
Notice the beautiful cycle Paul describes: God’s blessings enrich us, enabling us to be generous, and that generosity brings glory and thanksgiving back to Him. Gratitude and generosity feed into one another, shaping us to become more like Jesus.
Now look at the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19. All ten were healed by Jesus, but only one returned to thank Him. That one, a Samaritan, wasn’t just physically healed; he experienced a spiritual restoration and redemption. His gratitude led to worship, and his story reminds us that thanksgiving isn't just about saying "thank you"—it’s about living in light of God’s goodness.
Again, Psalm 107:1 encourages us to “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” This thanksgiving isn’t passive. It’s an active response to God’s love, one that should overflow into how we live and give.
How Thanksgiving Becomes Generosity
When we reflect on how God has provided for us—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—it should cause us to open our hands. A truly thankful heart can't help but want to bless others.
Consider the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:41-44. She gave all she had—not out of obligation, but out of a heart full of love and gratitude. Her thankfulness for God’s provision transformed into an act of extravagant generosity, one that Jesus praised as an example for all of us.
Generosity isn’t always about giving large amounts. It’s about a heart posture that says, “God has been so good to me. How can I not share that goodness with others?”
Join the Giver Army in Response to Thanksgiving
This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to put your thanksgiving into action by joining the Giver Army. The Giver Army is a group of people committed to monthly generosity. Whether big or small, their consistent giving helps provide grants to people in need all around the world.
As a Giver Army member, you’re not just giving money—you’re giving hope. You’re enabling someone to face another day, reach their goal, help others, or even catch a glimpse of Jesus during what could be one of the darkest times in their life.
If your heart is full of thanksgiving for all God has done in your life, let that thankfulness inspire you to take action. Join the Giver Army today and be part of a community that’s transforming lives through consistent generosity.
Click here to join the Giver Army and make the most of your Thanksgiving.
Read more
True thanksgiving goes beyond words; it’s a choice to actively live out our gratitude. It calls us to intentionally respond to God's goodness, and it naturally leads to actions that bless others. Throughout the Bible, thanksgiving is closely linked to generosity. When we truly recognize all that God has done for us, our hearts are moved to give freely, reflecting His abundant grace in our own lives.
Thanksgiving as a Foundation of Generosity
In 2 Corinthians 9:11, Paul writes: "You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."
Notice the beautiful cycle Paul describes: God’s blessings enrich us, enabling us to be generous, and that generosity brings glory and thanksgiving back to Him. Gratitude and generosity feed into one another, shaping us to become more like Jesus.
Now look at the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19. All ten were healed by Jesus, but only one returned to thank Him. That one, a Samaritan, wasn’t just physically healed; he experienced a spiritual restoration and redemption. His gratitude led to worship, and his story reminds us that thanksgiving isn't just about saying "thank you"—it’s about living in light of God’s goodness.
Again, Psalm 107:1 encourages us to “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” This thanksgiving isn’t passive. It’s an active response to God’s love, one that should overflow into how we live and give.
How Thanksgiving Becomes Generosity
When we reflect on how God has provided for us—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—it should cause us to open our hands. A truly thankful heart can't help but want to bless others.
Consider the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:41-44. She gave all she had—not out of obligation, but out of a heart full of love and gratitude. Her thankfulness for God’s provision transformed into an act of extravagant generosity, one that Jesus praised as an example for all of us.
Generosity isn’t always about giving large amounts. It’s about a heart posture that says, “God has been so good to me. How can I not share that goodness with others?”
Join the Giver Army in Response to Thanksgiving
This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to put your thanksgiving into action by joining the Giver Army. The Giver Army is a group of people committed to monthly generosity. Whether big or small, their consistent giving helps provide grants to people in need all around the world.
As a Giver Army member, you’re not just giving money—you’re giving hope. You’re enabling someone to face another day, reach their goal, help others, or even catch a glimpse of Jesus during what could be one of the darkest times in their life.
If your heart is full of thanksgiving for all God has done in your life, let that thankfulness inspire you to take action. Join the Giver Army today and be part of a community that’s transforming lives through consistent generosity.
Click here to join the Giver Army and make the most of your Thanksgiving.