What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "What is the difference between saying “Thank you” and showing gratitude?"
Answer
The difference between merely saying “Thank you” and showing gratitude lies in truth and devotion. While words are an acknowledgment of God's goodness, true gratitude is expressed through the dedication of one's entire life, talents, and resources to the service of others and God's work. Gratitude is an active response of the heart that goes beyond lip service and is reflected in sacrifices and self‑less actions.
Expressing gratitude in words and deeds
»We should acknowledge God's goodness, not only by expressing our gratitude in words, but as Jacob did through gifts and sacrifices for His work. Since we constantly receive God's blessings, we should also give constantly. ... Should we, who enjoy the full light and privileges of the gospel, be content with giving God less than those who gave in earlier times?«
Praise through complete devotion
»Let us not only praise Him with words, but by consecrating everything we are and have to Him. ... How could we better demonstrate that we value God's sacrifice than by sending gifts and offerings, accompanied by praise and thanksgiving from our lips, because of the great love with which He has loved us?«
Grateful love through service to others
»Every word or act of self‑less kindness toward souls with whom we are connected is an expression of the love that Jesus has revealed for the entire human family. ... Kind words, looks of compassion, expressions of appreciation would be for some struggling and lonely person like a cup of cold water to a thirsty soul.«
Gratitude as a thank‑offering
»Not only should they give the Lord his due portion, but they should also bring a generous contribution as a thank‑offering into His treasury. With joyful hearts they should consecrate the firstfruits of their harvest to the Creator – their best and most holy service.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
