The lives of God’s people are to be characterized by the offering of thanksgiving to God always, for everything, and in all circumstances (Ephesians 5:19-20; Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). They are to give thanks for blessings, spiritual and physical (Colossians 1:12; 1 Timothy 4:3-4), in their own lives and in the lives of others (Acts 28:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). Thanksgiving is part of praise, prayer and worship (Psalms 95:1-7; Psalms 116:17; Colossians 4:2; Revelation 7:12; Revelation 11:17). (See also PRAISE; PRAYER; WORSHIP.)
Believers should remind themselves constantly to thank God for all his blessings. They can do this by making sure that thanksgiving accompanies all their requests to God (Psalms 30:12; Psalms 92:1-4; Psalms 103:1-5; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2; 1 Timothy 2:1). They should be particularly thankful that God, in his love, has chosen them (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14), made them sharers in his grace (1 Corinthians 1:4), equipped them with faith, hope and love (Colossians 1:3-5), and given them a part in the service of the gospel (2 Corinthians 1:11; Philippians 1:4-5). By constantly offering thanks to God, Christians help counter the influence of sin (Ephesians 5:4). By failing to offer thanks to God, they fail to give him the glory due to him (Luke 17:16-18).