Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
— Hebrews 13:15-16
SACRIFICE MEANS giving something of value. I may sacrifice of my time to come over and help you with a project. I may sacrifice the seat I am occupying so that someone else can sit down.
Scripture talks a great deal about the sacrifices we are to offer to God. We are encouraged to offer Him the sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips. This implies that sometimes we won’t feel like praising God, but we need to do it anyway. Other times, our praise is a spontaneous response to God’s goodness. I find myself breaking out in spontaneous praise whenever I contemplate all that God has done. I think of the blessings in my life; I think of you and I think of this work that God has done. And my heart just bursts forth in praise.
We are also told to sacrifice of our material goods. God is pleased whenever we care for one another, whenever we see a brother in need and give to cover that need. He is blessed when we see others with His eyes—when we consider the poor and reach out to help them.
AS YOU OFFER SACRIFICES OF PRAISE AND GOOD WORKS TO YOUR FATHER, MAY YOU OVERFLOW WITH THE JOY AND FULFILLMENT OF BLESSING YOUR GOD.
Father, we ask that Your Holy Spirit would prompt us to offer You praise, and that You will give us many opportunities to sacrifice for those in need.
In Jesus’ Name We Pray, Amen.