1 Corinthians 15:57, (NIV), "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

As my pastor says, "When we receive a gift, the proper reply is, 'Thank you.'"

And expressing our thanks is a form of giving a gift in return. We are blessed when we give—even in a simple “Thank you.” It can be very powerful, especially because it has become, unfortunately, more rare, even in polite company sometimes!

Our spouse is a gift from the LORD, and we need the LORD’s help to treat our spouse as a treasure. One of the highest forms of respect is to say a simple but powerful, “Thank you.”

I have been amazed at how many married people I’ve seen through the years that did not do this—and were cranky and critical and whose marriage appeared to be suffering. I know that expressing my thanks to my husband has definitely strenthened our marriage through the years—and helped me be more conscious not to take him for granted!

2 Corinthians 9:10-15 The Passion Translation (TPT) "¹⁰ This generous God who supplies abundant seed for the farmer, which becomes bread for our meals, is even more extravagant toward you. First he supplies every need, plus more. Then he multiplies the seed as you sow it, so that the harvest of your generosity will grow. ¹¹ You will be abundantly enriched in every way as you give generously on every occasion, for when we take your gifts to those in need, it causes many to give thanks to God. ¹²The priestly ministry you are providing through your offering not only supplies what is lacking for God’s people, it inspires an outpouring of praises and thanksgiving to God himself. ¹³ For as your extremely generous offering meets the approval of those in Jerusalem, it will cause them to give glory to God—all because of your loyal support and allegiance to the gospel of Christ, as well as your generous-hearted partnership with them toward those in need."

We are made to give thanks and praise and glory to God. When we do good things for others, especially with a heart of love, the LORD gets the thanks--which is one of our highest goals in our lives on earth!

As my husband and I have discovered, just being as polite to each other as to anyone else, by saying, "Thank you"--even for the smallest thoughtfulness or other form of help--is a powerful tool of grace and strength for marriage, the most precious of relationships that should mirror our walk with Christ.

^"32 Marriage is the beautiful design of the Almighty,^[q]a great and sacred mystery—meant to be a vivid example of Christ and his church. ³³ So every married man should be gracious to his wife just as he is gracious to himself. And every wife should be tenderly devoted to her husband."  Ephesians 5:32, TPT

To me, being gracious and tenderly devoted definitely include expressing our thanks to our spouses, and to everyone to whom we owe that honor. I am so thankful that my dear parents taught me to be thankful for every good thing, and to write notes and emails and call to tell people I appreciate them! I have amazed several people just by sending a written card of thanks!

Being thankful is a choice, and will bring great joy. As I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 state, "Let joy be your continual feast. Make your life a prayer. And in midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus."

I dare you to do an experiment: Ask God to help you be more thankful and to express it, and experience your joy and relationships improve!

Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. They lift Him up in books (P.O.W.E.R. Girl!; LEGACY; Visions of the King; Your Holy Health; more); presentations; service in church, community, and the world; and via the "River Rain Creative" (309 videos) and "POWERLight Learning" You Tube channels.