Christian Bible Lesson 113: Thanksgiving

Bible Verses

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” – Colossians 3:17

“Every good gift and every perfect gift are from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” – James 1:17

“Every good gift and every perfect gift are from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” – James 1:17 “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” – Hebrews 12:28

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father.” – Ephesians 5:18-20

Christian Bible Lesson Overview

On Thanksgiving, it is important to think about all the things that make your life better, not just the possessions you have or the family and friends who treat you in a special way.  It is a time for you to reflect on all the things that helped you be the person you are.  Some things were gifts from birth such as your health, your parents/family, your natural abilities, and the environment where you were born. 

Thanksgiving is a time to think about other people and all that God has given you from the time your life started.

Cristian Bible Lesson for Today

Sarah was a college student in her final year of study.  She needs to finish this semester and one more to graduate with a degree in journalism.  She took a major exam the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.  She worked very hard to prepare for the exam because she understands that the exam was one-third of her final grade for that semester. 

After she completed the exam, she had lunch with a fellow classmate Brenda.  Sarah told Brenda about the example she used for one of the questions.  Brenda had a frown on her face.  Sarah asked her what was wrong.  Brenda told Sarah that her example was the wrong one. 

Sarah realized right away that she made a mistake.  She became so upset and began blaming everyone and everything else for her mistake.  She said that she worked so hard all semester and now it will all be for nothing.  She started crying and said her life was no good.  Everything goes wrong.

Brenda told her to calm down and think about all the things in her life that are good.  Sarah’s answers on the test do not cancel all the things that should make her thankful.  Brenda suggested Sarah first think about all the things about her life that are positive like her health, her family, her abilities, and all the friends that appreciate her.  Then, after Sarah has recognized how thankful she should be for all those things in her life, she should meet with the professor and explain what happened.  The worst thing that could happen is the Professor will say the answer stands.

Sarah thought about what Brenda told her.  She was very grateful for her life.  She realized that she should be grateful to God first for all the things in her life that allow her to live and appreciate everything around her. 

Sarah did talk with her professor.  The professor said he will not give her another chance at the test, be he knew that she is a very good student, and he will take that into consideration when he grades the test. 

Sarah was happy with the result.  She was determined never to allow one challenge to keep her from recognizing all the things that make her happy.  She prayed to God to thank him for everything in her life.

Christian Bible Lesson Summary

It is important to not allow one challenge or tragic event cause you to lose sight of all those things in your life that are special.  Be grateful for being alive and having the ability to think and support other people.  Be grateful for your health, even if you have a specific health challenge.