THE SACRIFICES OF THANKSGIVING (PART ONE)

Psalm 107:21–22

“Let them praise the Lord for His great love and for the wonderful things He has done for them.Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and sing joyfully about His glorious acts.”

The Bible teaches that thanksgiving is more than a reaction to blessings — it is a sacrifice we intentionally offer to God. Throughout Scripture, we see that gratitude isn’t always convenient or easy; it is often an act of faith, surrender, and devotion.

So when the psalmist speaks of “sacrifices of thanksgiving,” he invites us to present something meaningful, something that costs us, something that reflects the depth of our love for God.

This month — and truly, for the rest of our lives — we can practice five spiritual sacrifices of thanksgiving. Today, we begin with the first two.

1. The Sacrifice of Your Person

Romans 12:1–2

“I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you.Let them be a living and holy sacrifice… this is truly the way to worship Him.”

Why do we offer ourselves to God?

Because He first offered Himself for us.

Compared to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, giving Him our lives is a small return of love. To offer ourselves as “living sacrifices” means:

• Voluntarily presenting ourselves to God

• Completely giving Him every part of our lives

• Consistently remaining committed — staying on the altar, not running off when it’s uncomfortable

In the Old Testament, the priests secured the sacrifice to the altar using two flesh hooks, ensuring it did not slide away. In the same way, two hooks keep us surrendered to God: devotion and discipline.

Our love for Jesus and our desire to live holy before Him are what keep us committed. True thanksgiving begins with offering ourselves first.

2. The Sacrifice of Your Praise

Hebrews 13:15

“Through Jesus, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God — the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.”

Praise is a sacrifice when we offer it continually — not only when life feels good, but when faith must carry us. Psalm 34:1 says:

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

For many believers, corporate praise is difficult because private praise is absent. But the Lord desires the “freewill offerings of our lips” (Psalm 119:108).

Thanksgiving-praise is not something we should be coaxed into. It is the joyful overflow of hearts that remember God’s goodness — even when feelings try to argue otherwise.

We will continue exploring the remaining sacrifices of thanksgiving next time. Until then, offer God your life, your praise, and your heart of gratitude — for He is worthy of it.