An Offering of Thanks

Transforming Language

One of the not often stated wonders of the New Testament the transformative ability it had over language itself. Written in Koine (Common) Greek of the 1^st^ Century, many of the powerful words and ideas we are familiar with (e.g. love, grace, peace, etc.) were not new words per se, but were given new meaning when placed within the context of the wonder of the Gospel of Christ.

Eucharistos

One such example of such a word is the word eucharistos which is commonly translated as “thankful” or connected with the idea of “giving thanks”. Before the New Testament, this word already had a meaning common to the giving of thanks, but was many times used in a perfunctory manner. For example, it was common language in diplomatic discussions between nations where one nation acknowledges that they are “indebted” to another nation for a favor.

This usage did not lessen the meaning of the word, but its use was many times more of a socially graceful meaning rather than a genuine one. Enter the New Testament, with its wonderful demonstration of God’s love and favor toward mankind through the gift of His Son (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8; et al.). The idea of being “thankful”, especially toward God becomes something far more important than perfunctory social obligation (at least it should!). Paul even uses such an idea in an accusatory way describing those who rejected God for idols, frustrated that they did not even show God “thanks” for their very existence (Rom. 1:21).

With the understanding of “thanks” being given to those who have shown us great love and kindness, or simply to those we are indebted to, God should be, and will always remain, the primary focus of our thanks and appreciation. However, one wonder of the body of Christ that He gave to us through His Son is that it has provided us with boundless means of serving one another and the world around us.

Our Thanks

There are many who serve in various capacities in local congregations throughout the world, many of their services being unseen in a public way. It is our wish that all who serve know how much they are appreciated for their serving. We give “thanks” of a genuine heart, and not of perfunctory social grace, to those who serve this family here, and especially to God for blessing our family with such wonderful servants. Thank you!