The Art Of Radical Thanksgiving

By Tommy George

  "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you".Thessalonians 5:18

 

Gratitude is a strong emotion that cuts through boundaries of language and culture. It significantly affects our mental, emotional, and spiritual health. In this book, the author explores the idea of radical thanksgiving, a way of living that embraces gratitude in all circumstances and goes beyond simple appreciation for the wonderful things in life. The author illustrates how embracing a radical appreciation mindset may transform lives and enhance relationships with both God and people via personal experiences and scriptural study.

 

The idea that giving thanks should only be done during prosperous and joyous times is challenged by the radical practice of thankfulness. It invites us to express our gratitude for challenging and trying circumstances while embracing the opportunities for growth and education they present. By doing this, we strengthen our willpower, resilience, and feeling of purpose in life.

 

The author stresses the importance of radical thanksgiving in our connection with God by examining the spiritual aspects of appreciation. It is a crucial part of our spiritual development and sanctification; it is not just a gesture of good manners or a psychological exercise. We become more like God and align ourselves with His desire by being thankful in every situation.

 

Additionally, radical thanksgiving encourages a feeling of community and belonging. We are better able to understand and assist one another as we become more sensitive to the pleasures and sorrows of those around us. This strengthens interpersonal ties and develops a society that is kinder and more understanding.

 

Radical thankfulness also aids us in keeping our lives in perspective. We learn to distinguish between what actually counts and what is transient or insignificant by creating a constant practice of thanksgiving. This clarity enables us to focus our time and effort on things and people that will make us happy and fulfilled for the long run.

 

The book also looks at the role radical thanksgiving plays in encouraging a giving and serving culture. When we regularly express gratitude, we are more likely to perform deeds of kindness and make a good difference in the lives of others. This cycle of gratitude and giving improves everyone's quality of life by fostering a culture that is more sympathetic and encouraging.

 

The author's own path from difficult circumstances in Liberia and the Ivory Coast to a life of purpose is evidence of the radical thanksgiving's transformational potential. The author hopes to motivate readers to adopt this potent practice and benefit from its transformative qualities by sharing their experiences and thoughts.

 

In conclusion, this book provides a thorough examination of the idea of radical gratitude, demonstrating its enormous significance in a Christian's life. In order to truly experience the benefits and growth that radical thanksgiving may bring, the author hopes and prays that readers would be motivated to build a life of overflowing gratitude in every situation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tommy George
• Release date: May 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223424581

Tommy George

Tommy W. George is the founder and Pastor of Praise Chapel International, Virginia, USA He is a successful entrepreneur, having established and owned two business. He is also an accountant. He was born in Liberia, the western part of Africa, before he finally move to the United Sates due to the Liberian civil unrest. He is married to Martine A. George, with four kids.

Book preview

TABLE OF CONTENT

Introduction

Chapter One

The Foundation of Thanksgiving

Chapter Two

The Truest Approach to Radical Thanksgiving

Chapter Three

What is radical thanksgiving?

Understanding Gratitude and Thankfulness

Chapter Four

Mechanisms for Effective Radical Thanksgiving

Chapter Five

Thanksgiving Frames

Chapter Six

The Radical Thanksgivers

Chapter Seven

The Blessedness of Radical Thanksgiving

Chapter Eight

The Danger Of Thanklessness

MY TESTIMONY

Introduction

Give thanks in all circumstance; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The word thank you is unquestionably one of the most important ones in the English language. Together, these two terms imply a feeling of admiration or thanks. According to research, being grateful has a favorable effect on both ourselves and other people.

Numerous advantages, including better health, higher resiliency, and increased strength, are connected to gratitude. Our mood can be improved, stress can be reduced, and depression can be lessened. Our immune system, built-in antibodies, and lifespan are all enhanced by it. It has been discovered that being grateful both at home and at work increases productivity since it increases one's sense of worth, which in turn enhances performance.

The enormous benefits of gratitude have been acknowledged by many civilizations and religions. But being thanks for the people and things in life is not the same as being thankful as a child of the Most High. He has promised us in His word that nothing can separate us from His love, no matter how difficult things get (Romans 8:38–39).

So what exactly is a radical Thanksgiving? Let's use an example to clarify this idea. Every year on Black Friday, shoppers indulge in a frenzy of buying in preparation of the Christmas season. This is similar to radical thanksgiving, with one important exception that will be discussed later.

The earlier quoted Scripture text properly captures the concept of profound thankfulness. No of the situation, the setting, or the persons involved, it commands us to express gratitude. There should be no justifications, exceptions, or changes to Thanksgiving. This is the basis for the name radical thanksgiving.

It's simple to appreciate the excellent things that other people give, and anybody may express gratitude for presents they receive. The real definition of radical thanksgiving, though, is being grateful in all circumstances.

Gratitude in the context of faith goes beyond keeping a happy outlook or engaging in mental exercises for overall health and welfare. It is essential to our spiritual development and to living the lives to which God has called us. The everyday practice of gratitude strengthens our faith and is essential to our sanctification. When combined with prayer and Bible study, it is a potent formula.

Radical thanksgiving doesn't ignore or deny bad things that happen. Instead, it's about being so comforted by the goodness of the Lord that you become thankful. Instead of trying to immediately improve a negative circumstance, it's about adopting thanksgiving as a way of life. Even if our circumstances don't change after we show appreciation, our hearts will undoubtedly, according to Romans 5:3-5.

Radical thanksgiving also promotes a stronger sense of community and the development of compassion and empathy. We grow more sensitive to the challenges and joys of those around us by recognizing both the good and bad situations in our lives. Our ability to relate to people more directly as a result of our increased awareness strengthens our bonds with them and creates a deeper feeling of community.

Radical Thanksgiving also fosters a spirit of contentment and fortitude. We learn to find value and purpose even in the most trying circumstances by practicing thankfulness in every situation. This way of thinking enables us to deal with life's inevitable changes and disappointments more skillfully, ultimately leading to a more contented and meaningful lifestyle.

Radical thanksgiving also enables us to keep our lives in perspective. By being grateful all the time, we get better at knowing what is important and what is just temporary or insignificant. This clarity enables us to focus on the activities that will ultimately provide us long-lasting happiness and contentment.

The culture of positivity and charity it fosters is another benefit of extreme thankfulness. Consistent appreciation practice increases our propensity for deeds of kindness and service, which improves both our own lives and those of others. This cycle of appreciation and giving cultivates a more sympathetic and encouraging society, improving the quality of life for all.

This is the answer for everybody looking to comprehend and carry out God's desire. God wants you to lead a life of passionate gratitude. The author's own journey from difficult circumstances in Liberia and the Ivory Coast to a life of purpose is a witness to the transformational power of profound thankfulness. In this book, the author explores how radical gratitude transformed their experience and led to a life they are proud of.

The subject of extreme thanksgiving is thoroughly examined in this book to aid readers in understanding its enormous relevance in a Christian's life. The author hopes and prays that the information in the book will help readers learn how to cultivate an abundant life of appreciation in every circumstance.

CHAPTER 1

WHAT MAKES THANKSGIVING SPECIAL

Our modern Thanksgiving tradition has a long and intriguing history that has developed through the years. The initial intent of it was to give thanks to God for His favors, but it has deviated from that. This holiday has changed over the years and no longer holds the same meaning.

The first Thanksgiving as we know it today is thought to have taken place in Plymouth, Massachusetts on December 13, 1621, when English settlers and their Native American allies gathered for a three-day feast to give thanks to God for the harvest and His care and protection. But Thanksgiving's origins stretch back considerably earlier. When Spanish explorers reached St. Augustine, Florida, in September 1565, they held a Mass of Thanksgiving. Another party of Spanish explorers had a Mass in gratitude in what is now Texas in April 1590.

William Bradford was a devout man who acknowledged God's power. He led the English separatists who left Plymouth in 1620 in search of religious and civil freedom in the New World. Despite the challenges they encountered, such as inclement weather, famine, a lack of shelter, and illness, they persisted in prayer and asked their Native American neighbors for assistance. They had a bumper crop, which prompted a three-day celebration in December 1621 to give thanks for God's bounty.

Thanksgiving Day became a national holiday after the Thanksgiving Day custom spread to other New England colonies. The 13 colonies got together in 1777 to celebrate their triumph against the British, and President George Washington proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving in 1789. But Thanksgiving Day wasn't regularly observed for more than 60 years. It wasn't until Sarah Josepha Hale persuaded President Abraham Lincoln to establish a National Day of Thanksgiving that he did so, picking the last Thursday in November as the date.

The celebration's purity was compromised in 1939, and the focus shifted to maximizing the Christmas shopping season. Retailers requested that President Franklin D. Roosevelt set it a week earlier because they needed more time to sell their goods since the last Thursday of November that year fell on November 30. The fourth Thursday in November was chosen as the new date by President Roosevelt, which led to confusion as some regions of the country celebrated on one day, others on the other, and some on both. The fourth Thursday in November was designated as the official National Day of Thanksgiving by a joint resolution passed by Congress in 1941, which was later enshrined into law.

It is striking to observe how the same country has deviated from its original goals after being governed by pious leaders who were not ashamed to accept God's omnipotence and publicly express their gratitude. Thanksgiving has evolved into a holiday dedicated to cooking and enjoying scrumptious meals with friends and family rather than giving thanks to God. It's unfortunate that materialism has replaced God as the basis for this celebration.

It is unfortunate that this holiday has lost its original significance and has simply become a time to spend with loved ones while indulging in cuisine. While sharing a meal with friends and family and getting together is perfectly fine, it's crucial to keep in mind the origins of this holiday and to give thanks to God for His blessings.

This holiday gives us a chance to take stock of everything we've received and express our gratitude for it. It's time to put our troubles and issues aside and concentrate on the good things in our lives. It's a time to be grateful for all the good things in our lives, including our health, family, and friends.

We have a chance to help people who are less fortunate at the same time. We can provide a hand to someone in need by reaching out to them, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or making a donation to a food bank. By doing this, we can contribute to bringing back the holiday's original meaning and turning it once more into a time of sincere thanksgiving.

It is simple to get lost in the everyday commotion of life in today's fast-paced world and forget the things that are genuinely important. Thanksgiving provides us with an opportunity to pause and reflect on the positive aspects of our life. It's a time to spend with our loved ones, make fresh memories, and forge closer bonds.

It's also an opportunity to consider how we've changed as people and recall the difficulties we've faced. This holiday gives us the chance to express our gratitude for all we have done and to rejoice in our victories. This is a time to celebrate