Have a Graceful Thanksgiving

1.    What is the connection between a person being graceful, another doing some kind deed, and Thanksgiving Day?

2.    Is there any relationship between giving a gift and praying before a meal?

3.    Is there any connection between being grateful and being happy?

4.    Did you ever wonder why we say “grace” at a meal?

5.    What does “grace” have to do with “thanksgiving”?

6.    Let me introduce you to a Greek word – “charis”

7.    See Thayer below – four definitions:

A.   Charm – sweetness, joy, pleasure, loveliness

B.   Salvation – God’s undeserved favor and affection

C.   Blessings – the feeling of benefit from the bounty, gift, grace of God

D.   Thanks – gratitude for the gifts, blessings – Eucharist = good grace

This word in the New Testament

1.    Greek word – “charis” – Grace 156 times

2.    Eucharis – give thanks – 39 times – literally “good grace”

3.    Many forms and variations of this word

How the word “grace” is used:

1 – Grace – gift or favor not deserved or earned
Saved by grace – Ephesians 2:8-9

2 – Give Thanks – at Lord’s Supper (eucharis) Matthew 26:27

3 – Say “grace” before we eat a meal 1 Timothy 4:3-5

Matthew 15:36 (feeding 4,000)
4 – Express gratitude when a favor is done for us – a “thank you” gift for some kindness done for you

5 – Greetings – Common greeting Galatians 1:3

6 – Charm – loveliness, delightful – with good manners – “She handled that situation with grace.” –

Colossians 3:16

7 – Joy – Philemon 1:7

8 – Kind, Gentle – Colossians 4:6

9 – Loving Kindness – God’s treatment of us – with grace, favor, kindness

10 – Reward, recompense – for benefits, services, favors done
2 Corinthians 1:15 – a second benefit = reward, gift, bonus

 Have a Graceful Thanksgiving

1.    I hope you will have a thanksgiving filled with GRACE

a.    Gratitude

b.    Joy and gladness

c.    Prayers of gratefulness

d.    Charm and kindness

2.    Have you been saved by grace?

3.    Are living a graceful life?