How To Say Thank You To God
📖 Text: Colossians 3:17 (KJV)
✝️Towne East Baptist Church – November 30, 2025
👤 Pastor Bill Allred
What does genuine gratitude toward God actually look like? Scripture makes it clear that thanksgiving is far more than polite words or seasonal sentiment. In Colossians 3:17, believers are called to live lives that actively express gratitude to God through faith, obedience, and service. This message explores three biblical ways to say “thank you” to God—not just with our lips, but with our lives.
“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 (KJV)
The Power of a Thankful Heart
A heart of thanksgiving is one of the most important characteristics of a believer. Many qualities matter in the Christian life, but few shape our walk with God as deeply as gratitude. A grateful Christian serves joyfully, lives purposefully, and understands that Jesus is not merely part of life—He is life.
Attitude matters. A critical, angry, or judgmental spirit undermines worship, limits usefulness, and robs God of glory. Gratitude, on the other hand, fuels faithfulness. It opens the door to growth, service, and genuine joy in Christ.
God desires His people to serve Him—and one another—with thankful hearts. Everything we have comes from Him: salvation, strength, opportunity, and the privilege of sharing the gospel. Gratitude recognizes that it is all about Jesus and what He has given us.
Receive: Salvation as the First Act of Gratitude
The greatest way a person can thank God is by receiving Jesus Christ as Savior. Salvation is God’s desire and His design. Though it cost Christ unimaginable suffering, redemption remains God’s greatest joy for mankind.
Salvation is not earned. It is the result of God’s mercy, not human effort. In Christ, we are regenerated, reconciled, reborn into God’s family, and promised eternal life. Heaven is gained entirely at the Lord’s expense.
Receiving Christ declares something powerful: God’s plan of redemption was not wasted. Accepting salvation says, “Thank You” for the cross, the suffering, the love, and the sacrifice. It is the ultimate expression of gratitude.
Regard: Following God as a Thankful Believer
Gratitude continues when believers regard God as their personal guide. Many claim Christ as Lord, but fewer truly follow His leading. Thankfulness is demonstrated through obedience.
God’s will is revealed through His Word. A believer who neglects Scripture cannot walk faithfully. The Word of God is taught and reinforced through the church, preaching, teaching, and Christian fellowship. These are not optional extras—they are God’s provision for spiritual growth.
Faithfulness to the church, respect for biblical preaching, and engagement in Christian fellowship all declare gratitude to God. To follow God’s guidance is to say, “Thank You” with our actions.
Renew: Serving God With a Thankful Spirit
Even faithful believers grow weary. Discouragement, weakness, and spiritual fatigue are real. At times, the temptation to step back from serving the Lord feels overwhelming.
God’s answer is renewal. Revival restores perspective and reminds us of the victory we already possess in Christ. Through partnership with Jesus, believers are strengthened to continue serving with confidence and purpose.
God renews those who wait upon Him. He supplies strength when ours runs out. Renewing commitment to serve is not mere discipline—it is gratitude in action.
When believers reaffirm their partnership with Christ, they declare trust in His power, faith in His promises, and confidence that their labor is not in vain.
Conclusion
Scripture teaches three clear ways to say thank you to God:
- Receive Christ as Savior
• Regard God as your personal guide
• Renew your partnership with Him in service
A thankful life is shaped by attitude, obedience, and faithfulness. Gratitude is not spoken once—it is lived daily.
A Call to Respond
If you have never received Jesus Christ as Savior, the greatest expression of gratitude you can offer God is to trust His Son today.
If you are a believer whose walk has grown cold or distracted, return to God’s Word and renew your commitment to follow Him faithfully.
If you are weary in service, remember that victory is already yours in Christ. God is your partner, and your labor in Him is never wasted.
If you would like to speak with someone, need prayer, or want to grow in your walk with Christ, we invite you to contact Towne East Baptist Church. We would be honored to help you live a life marked by true thanksgiving.
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