Changi Chapel

We need to recognize that not all thanksgiving is thanks-feeling. We can make ourselves (or our children) say, “Thank you,” whether we feel it or not. But it’s not a good habit, especially in our relationship with God.

Jesus warns against “vain” worship. “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me.” (Matthew 15:8–9).

Thanks-giving without thanks-feeling is empty. It does not count with God.

Genuine thankfulness is an act of the heart’s affections, not an act of the lips’ muscles. It is not willed, but awakened.

It is not a decision of the will, but a reflex of the heart.

It is not an inference; it is an experience.

So will our Thanksgiving overflow with thanks-feeling today – or will this be yet another social ritual?

John Piper
Pastor/Preacher/Author
© John Piper. Abridged, adapted and excerpted from his recent writings

Wishing all our readers in the USA a meaningful Thanks-feeling experience today! – John

Your comments, thoughts or suggestions are welcome. The body text is by the author, the header and the words in italics are mine – John B. Samuel