1. Thanksgiving is Expressing Gratitude to God for Specific Things He has Done

Thanksgiving is Part of Our Duty of Recognizing God as God
"For the wrath of god is revealed from heaven. . . because although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful. . . " Romans 1:18, 21

Thanksgiving Recognizes God as Good
". . . Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good!. . . " Psalm 106:1

Thanksgiving is a Command to Obey
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" - 1^st Thessalonians 5:18

Thanksgiving is an Attitude of the Heart
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were also called in one body; and be thankful" Colossians 3:15

Thanksgiving is a Mark of Spiritual Maturity
"As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving" Colossians 3:6-7

Thanksgiving is Accepted by God Only Through Christ
"Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" - Ephesians 5:20

". . . Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" - Colossians 3:17

 

2. Blessing is Expressing Appreciation to God as the Source of All Good Things

Blessing: Literally, to kneel

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" Ephesians 1:3

". . . You shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you" Deuteronomy 8:10

"Blessed be Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise!" Nehemiah 9:5