Thankfulness is related to the mission of the church. Thankfulness is not merely an emotion; it is expressed. The expression of a thankful heart is the pursuit of the mission. 1 Chronicles 16:8 says, “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known his deeds among the peoples!” A thankful church is committed to telling the world about God and His wonderful ways. The mission of God is carried out in the life of the church through grateful hearts. See in 1 Chronicles 3 ways that a grateful heart expresses itself in the mission of God.
- Sharing the Gospel with others
If you call upon the name of the Lord to be saved, then you tell others of the saving work of Christ! In 1 Chronicles 16 the work of God to save and redeem His people is worthy of sharing to those who will listen. The same is true today about the work of God to save and redeem you by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The mission of God is to establish a people for Himself who live to Him and for His glory. The call to make disciples is to join God in His work of laboring to bring in the Harvest. (Matthew 9:35-38) G
- Singing the Gospel with others
Thankfulness cannot be contained in the hearts of the church. Whatever is in the heart is expressed on the lips. Therefore the church that knows the love of God is thankful. The thankful Church sings songs to God, about God, and for the glory of God. A church on mission is fueled by the worship of God.
- Seeking God for strength to live out the Gospel
A church on mission has been saved and sent out to accomplish the work of God in the world. God’s calling and mission is sustained by the strength given through the Holy Spirit. A thankful heart seeks out the giver of salvation for the same strength and power for today.
The mission of the church is knit to the work of God in the hearts of His people, and the hearts of His people are thankful because of the work of Christ. To fuel the church for its mission, direct their hearts to the steadfast love and faithfulness of God through Christ.
Colossians 3:15–17 (ESV)
“15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”