Thanksgiving as a Sacrifice

Hebrews 13:15 — “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”

Thanksgiving is not only an emotion; it is a sacrifice. The writer of Hebrews calls us to continually offer the sacrifice of praise—the fruit of our lips giving thanks to God. Gratitude is not occasional but continual, not silent but spoken, not effortless but sacrificial.

Why a sacrifice? Because gratitude often costs us something. It costs pride, as we acknowledge dependence on God. It costs comfort, as we give thanks even in pain. It costs self-will, as we choose to worship when we would rather complain. True thanksgiving is worship offered in faith, even when circumstances press hard.

This sacrifice is made “by him”—through Christ. Our thanksgiving is acceptable because of His mediating work. Just as sacrifices in the Old Testament were offered through priests, so our praise is offered through Christ, our great High Priest. Gratitude flows from the cross, where He purchased our redemption.

The command to offer thanksgiving continually reveals that gratitude is not seasonal. It is not reserved for one holiday or one moment but is the constant fruit of a redeemed life. A complaining Christian is a contradiction, for we have endless reasons to give thanks.

For pastors, this verse offers encouragement. The fruit of their lips in preaching and prayer is part of this continual sacrifice. For the flock, it offers challenge. Every word of thanks, every song of praise, every prayer of gratitude is an offering that delights the heart of God.

Thanksgiving as a sacrifice lifts our eyes from self to God. It reminds us that even when life is hard, God is worthy. Gratitude is not optional; it is the worship God deserves.