As some have pointed out, American Christians have less room for complaining when compared to our brethren under hostile and oppressive nations abroad. We enjoy a constitutional privilege, stating “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”, benefiting Christians for 228 years. We thank God for establishing this law through our forefathers.

Nave’s Topical Bible captures over 200 references and examples to giving of thanks. We should offer thanks: at the remembrance of God’s holiness (Ps 30:4; 97:12), for the goodness and mercy of God (Ps 106:1), for the gift of Christ(2Cor 9:15), for Christ’s power and reign (Rev 11:17), for the effectual work of God’s word in others (1Thes 2:13), for deliverance from indwelling sin (Rom 7:23-25), for victory over death (1Cor 15:57), for wisdom and might (Dan 2:23), for the triumph of the gospel (2Cor 2:14), for the conversion of others (Rom 6:17), for faith exhibited by others(Rom 1:8), for love shown by others (2Thes 1:3), for grace bestowed on others (1Cor 1:4; Php 1:3-5), for Godly zeal of others (2Cor 8:16), for the nearness of God’s presence (Ps 75:1), for appointment to spiritual service (1Tim 1:12), for willingness to offer our property for God’s service (1Chr 29:6-14), for the supply of our bodily needs (Rom 14:6-7), and for all things (2Cor 9:11, Eph 5:20).

Conversely, the wicked are averse to thankfulness, because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful (Rom 1:21). It was the scribes and Pharisees who murmured against Jesus and His disciples, just like the Jews in the wilderness who also murmured and were destroyed of the destroyer (1Cor 10:10). Unthankful men are a mark of the last days (2Tim 3:2).