Topical Bible: Thankfulness: should be offered for Willingness to offer Our Property for God's Service

Bible > Topical > Thankfulness

◄ Thankfulness: should be offered for Willingness to offer Our Property for God's Service ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Thankfulness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often expressed through the willingness to offer one's property and resources for God's service. This act of gratitude is not merely a gesture of generosity but a profound acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and provision.

Biblical Examples of Offering Property

One of the earliest examples of offering property for God's service is found in the account of the construction of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 35:21-22 , the Israelites responded to Moses' call for contributions: "Everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit was willing came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. So all the men and women whose hearts were willing brought brooches, earrings, rings, necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry—everyone who presented an offering of gold to the LORD."

This passage highlights the voluntary nature of the offerings, emphasizing that the people gave as their hearts were moved. Their thankfulness for God's deliverance and provision motivated them to contribute generously to the construction of a dwelling place for God among them.

The Principle of Stewardship

The willingness to offer property for God's service is rooted in the biblical principle of stewardship. Believers are called to recognize that all they possess is ultimately God's, entrusted to them for His purposes. In 1 Chronicles 29:14 , King David acknowledges this truth: "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand."

David's prayer reflects a heart of thankfulness, recognizing that the ability to give is itself a gift from God. This understanding fosters a spirit of generosity, as believers are reminded that their resources are not their own but are to be used for God's glory.

New Testament Encouragement

The New Testament continues to encourage believers to offer their resources for God's work. In Acts 4:32-35 , the early church exemplifies this principle: "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need."

This passage illustrates the communal spirit of the early church, where thankfulness for the salvation offered through Christ led to a radical sharing of resources. The believers' willingness to offer their property was a tangible expression of their gratitude and commitment to the mission of the church.

The Heart of Thankfulness

True thankfulness is not measured by the size of the gift but by the heart behind it. In Mark 12:41-44 , Jesus observes a poor widow's offering: "Calling His disciples to Him, He said, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more than all the others into the treasury. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.'"

The widow's offering, though small in monetary value, was immense in its expression of thankfulness and trust in God. Her willingness to give all she had serves as a powerful reminder that God values the heart's intention over the material worth of the gift.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that thankfulness is demonstrated through a willingness to offer our property for God's service. This act of giving is a reflection of a heart that recognizes God's ultimate ownership and responds in gratitude for His abundant blessings. Through the examples of the Israelites, King David, the early church, and the widow, believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness that manifests in generous stewardship of their resources.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 29:6-14
Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The New Covenant.
... For "thankfulness" we must write "conscience," and substitute ... this inheritance they
waited till Christ should die. ... the greatness of the Son, Who offered Himself ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

Prayers Answered
... opened her letter, and with tears of thankfulness perused this ... He kneeled down and
offered a fervent prayer that God ... if it only lay still, but should the wind ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/prayers answered.htm

part ii
... Offer that which is dear to you as a sacrifice ... forgive us our trespasses [you wish
that God should forgive your ... Besides, all our property or all our means of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... of the day upon which I should be called ... the meeting more for the feeling of
thankfulness that pervaded ... band of devoted women met, and offered fervent prayers ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... of the sacrifice of praise which I now offer unto Him with ... of everyone that I meet,
lest they should meet me ... This place has been our second stage; Here we have ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm