Practicing Gratitude

September 10th, 2025

Leviticus 3:1-5.

Leviticus as a book was concerned with realigning people toward the heart of God and giving the Israelites practical ways to practice their faith after years of captivity in Egypt. For the first time in a long time as a people, Israel was able to determine how to worship freely, without the influence of Egyptian religion and ritual.

The different offerings in Leviticus law are complicated enough to make our heads spin, but the peace or fellowship offering shows a particular kindness in God’s heart. These offerings were not mandated for sins or festivals, but rather done in thanksgiving for God’s mercy and out of a desire to be close to the Lord.

The fellowship offering gave Israelites a concrete way to know they were in communion with God and a way to give thanks, no matter what kind of animal they could offer. It was a public demonstration literally splashed on the walls of the meeting place. Today, expressing our thankfulness is more private.

This passage in Leviticus reminds us that God desires our companionship and our praise. Gratitude should be a common practice in our relationship with the Lord as we reflect on the gifts given to us.

Author: Lexi Sunberg