Give Him the Gift of You

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” — Romans 12:1 (KJV)

There's just something about November that I absolutely love! I know that this is the month where my sister-in-love and I will joyfully collaborate on who’s making what for the family, we will fight over who will give/cook the most, and we excitedly plan her usual sleepover Thanksgiving night, where we watch movies, play games, and laugh nonstop. We count our blessings, reflect on God’s goodness, and express our gratitude for all He has done.

But somewhere between the turkey, dressing, and sweet potato pie, there’s a question worth considering:

What are we giving to the God we’re thanking?

Seriously. What do you give Someone who already has everything?  A gift card? A new outfit? Perhaps something from Amazon’s “Recommended for You” list?  After all, what could we possibly offer the One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10)?  And yet, despite possessing everything, God invites us to bring Him an offering that costs nothing but means everything.

Ourselves.

Not the polished version we present when everything is going well. Not the future version we hope to become when we have more time, more confidence, more resources, or fewer responsibilities.  The person we are right now.

When Thanksgiving Becomes More Than Words

We often think of thanksgiving as something we say. We thank God for waking us up, providing for our families, opening doors, making ways, and carrying us through seasons we weren’t sure we would survive. And we should!  Scripture encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  But what if thanksgiving is more than an expression of appreciation? What if it is also an invitation to respond?

In Romans 12:1, the Apostle Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices to God. Notice how he begins: “by the mercies of God.”  Paul has spent the preceding chapters unfolding the wonder of God’s mercy and saving grace. Now he calls believers to respond—not by attempting to earn God’s favor, but by offering their lives in grateful worship.

What Is That in Your Hand?

Maybe it’s a gift you’ve overlooked, an experience you’ve underestimated, a resource you’ve taken for granted, or a simple act of kindness you’ve been meaning to extend.  We sometimes become so preoccupied with what we lack that we don’t recognize the value of what God has already entrusted to us.

 Small Gifts. Extraordinary Love.

In Mark 12:41–44, Jesus observes people placing their offerings into the temple treasury. Many wealthy individuals contribute large amounts, but a poor widow gives two small copper coins. By ordinary standards, her contribution seems insignificant.  Yet Jesus calls His disciples’ attention to her offering. While others gave from their abundance, she gave out of her poverty, offering all she had to live on.  Jesus saw something that monetary value alone could never measure.  God sees the heart behind what we give.  And what we have to offer extends far beyond money.

Sometimes generosity looks like sitting beside someone who is grieving. Sometimes it’s preparing a meal, mentoring a young person, encouraging a discouraged friend, sharing wisdom gained through experience, or quietly serving where no one notices. Sometimes the most meaningful gift we can offer is simply our presence.  We may never know how deeply an ordinary act of kindness touches another life.  But when love motivates our giving, even the simplest gesture can become a beautiful expression of thanksgiving.

Give Him Your Yes

Perhaps the greatest gift we can offer God this Thanksgiving is not another promise to do more, but a renewed willingness to surrender more fully.  Our hearts. Our time. Our talents. Our resources. Our influence. Our plans.  Even the parts of our lives we’ve been reluctant to place in His hands.  Because giving ourselves to God isn’t merely about becoming busier with religious activities, it is about allowing our relationship with Him to shape every part of our lives.

This Thanksgiving, Give Differently

As we celebrate this season, may our thanksgiving extend beyond the words we speak, the songs we sing, and the blessings we count.  May it be reflected in the lives we live.  Someone needs the encouragement you can offer. Someone could benefit from the wisdom you’ve gained. Someone is waiting for a helping hand, a listening ear, an act of compassion, or a reminder that they are not forgotten.

You may not have everything you wish you had, but you have something you can use to bless another person.  Don’t allow comparison to diminish your contribution.  Don’t let fear convince you that your gifts are insignificant. And don’t postpone every opportunity to serve until circumstances are perfect.

This Thanksgiving, as we thank God for all He has given us, may we also ask ourselves what we are willing to place in His hands.

So, what do you give the God who has everything?

Give Him your heart.
Give Him your hands.
Give Him your willingness.
Give Him your yes.

Give Him the gift of you.

Reflection: What has God already placed in your hands that you can use to demonstrate His love to someone this week?