With Thanksgiving tomorrow, I thought it would be interesting to discuss what the opposite of Thanksgiving might be? As I was really pondering this week’s post, the idea came to me in the night—which for me, I believe, is when the Lord nudges me to address an idea. With our country celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, it got me to thinking what’s the opposite of Thanksgiving?
First, a short three sentence history lesson on the 1st Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, primarily to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. The tradition traces back to 1621 when English Pilgrims and the Wam-pa-noag people shared a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, marking one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations. The holiday was officially proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 during the Civil War as a means to unite the nation, establishing it as a day of gratitude and reflection.
What are your thoughts about Thanksgiving? For me, after I was reminded of the 1st Thanksgiving, it took me back many Thanksgivings to when my children were younger and in school—getting them dressed up as either pilgrims or Indians for their reenactment of this holiday. As parents, we would bring the traditional Thanksgiving dishes, sitting in those little bitty chairs in their classroom sharing our little feasts and celebrating Thanksgiving. Other thoughts that came up for me, include thinking about the many Thanksgiving dinners when our whole extended families all came together.
What memories come up for you? Sometimes our memories can also include not so great times when our family members didn’t get along on Thanksgiving. Or times when, maybe, the host of the Thanksgiving dinner didn’t feel appreciated for all their hard work. Whatever your thoughts are about Thanksgiving, we all have them. Some pleasant some not so pleasant.
As you’ve learned in listening to my podcast and/or reading my posts here, it’s about going deeper and evaluating our mindsets on different topics! So here we go, let’s explore what I discovered by looking at the opposite of Thanksgiving. Here are the top three words that came up: Ungrateful, Resentful, and Discontented.
Ungrateful
Ungrateful refers to a lack of gratitude or thankfulness, describing someone who fails to appreciate or acknowledge the kindness and benefits received from others.
Resentful
Resentful is defined as feeling or expressing bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly or having experienced a perceived wrong; it reflects a sense of lingering anger or displeasure towards someone or something due to past grievances.
Discontented
Discontented is defined as feeling unhappy or dissatisfied because one is not satisfied with their situation; it indicates a lack of contentment or a sense of grievance regarding current circumstances.
Wow, just those words and definitions speak volumes. Those are strong. If you really think about it these words they all describe conditions of the heart. And on that note, you know, I love to look at the different topics from a biblical perspective.
Here is a verse to ponder Romans 1:21 (NIV) states: “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened”.
What can we learn from exploring the opposite of thanksgiving? We can all agree our hearts can deceive us. It looks different for each one of us. And we all have this same heart issue. Even as believers, feelings of ungratefulness, resentment and discontentment can all creep into our thoughts. We can all fall into the trap of allowing our thoughts to build on themselves, justifying feelings, which can so easily create our actions. And for many people, Thanksgiving, which brings family members together, can reveal conditions of our heart.
So, what do we do about it?
First two scripture comes to mind. Romans 3:23 (NIV) states: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”And Romans 12:2 (NIV) “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” A reminder, we are all a work in progress. I frequently share, I set time in my mornings to get into the word and to pray. Because I’m not perfect, I am imperfect and I need God’s word to change my heart.
I know this Biblical truth that we are not saved by works, but by God’s grace. Here is the scripture Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” I firmly believe that Scripture and the Holy Spirit have the power to transform our hearts and lives. With that in mind, let’s return to exploring what we can learn from the opposite of thankfulness; recognizing that this is indeed a spiritual battle. As we approach Thanksgiving, I believe it’s an opportunity to reflect on and embody a Christian mindset, celebrating with hearts full of gratitude.
Embracing a Christian Mindset of Gratitude
The Bible offers profound insights into the spirit of thankfulness. Here are some scriptures we can meditate on:
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV):“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
• Colossians 2:7 (NIV):“Rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
As we prepare for Thanksgiving Day, my goal is for us to examine the condition of our hearts, becoming aware of those subtle, deceitful thoughts of ungratefulness, resentment, and discontentment. By viewing our hearts through a biblical lens, we can focus on scriptures that aid in renewing our minds.
In summary, Reflecting on the origins of Thanksgiving, this holiday began with the Pilgrims and Native Americans coming together to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. Later, during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday to unite the nation in gratitude and reflection. As we prepare for Thanksgiving tomorrow, let’s be mindful of our heart’s condition and celebrate the day with love, genuine gratitude and thoughtful reflection.
We all need these gentle reminders, me included! As we celebrate thanksgiving, I am so grateful and thankful for you, my faithful and loyal readers. You mean the world to me.