Minister Message - Giving thanks

June 03, 2026

Pastor Paul Ens, Senior Pastor, Strasbourg Alliance Church

Key points from this story:

• Practice gratitude for spiritual growth
• Thankfulness improves mental health
• Gratitude strengthens relationships
• Better sleep and physical health
• Increased self-esteem and resilience
• Greater life satisfaction and happiness

The Bible says in many places that we need to be thankful. 1Thessalonians 5:18 is likely the most famous verse related to thanks giving. "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you..." We need to understand that whenever God calls us to do something, it is for His Highest Glory, and for our greatest good. In other words, God doesn't just make up laws or commands for some random reason. He calls us to certain things because they are good for Him and good for us. It's out of His goodness that He directs our lives and tells us "... this is my will, if you walk in this you will be blessed and it will go well for you."

God's command for us to be thankful is one of those commands where we reap huge blessings, when we listen to Him and obey Him. God doesn't need to explain Himself or prove that what He says is true. Having said that, often there is much evidence not found in the Scriptures to demonstrate that what He says is true.

For example, The Harvard Medical School did a study on being thankful. In that study they found that people who regularly practice gratitude and thanksgiving experience the following: 1. Improved mental health with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety 2. Stronger relationships through increased empathy 3. Better physical health including improved sleep and reduced inflammation 4. Enhanced psychological resilience when facing adversity 5. Increased self-esteem and decreased social comparison 6. Greater life satisfaction and overall happiness.

A grateful heart is a heart that is in tune with the goodness and kindness of Jesus. As we get to know Jesus more deeply, the only adequate response to Him is to continually give thanks. As we do that Jesus is honoured and lifted up. And as a secondary benefit we are blessed with all kinds of benefits for living a life of thanksgiving. As we move into our summer and the world around us is alive with the evidence of the presence of Christ our Creator, lets continually give thanks. It will bring honour to Him, and it will be a blessing to us as well.