Worship Moments, Episode 18 – A Sacrifice of Praise

For those who prefer to read, here is the text of the video.

Hebrews 13:15 says, “let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, acknowledging his name”.

In my last video I talked about the Old Testament concept of a Thanksgiving Offering. Today, we will look at the concept of a sacrifice of praise.

Notice, first that it says it is the “fruit of our lips”. In other words, a sacrifice of praise is not a financial sacrifice – it is an offering we make with our lips – it is a gift with give to God with our words. Anyone can do it, anytime and anywhere.

Secondly, notice that it is called a sacrifice. The word “sacrifice” usually signifies loss or the giving up of something. How can praise be a sacrifice? What does it cost us?

In one sense it cost us very little – just words and time. But I think that often our emotions – our feelings – don't align with praise. We are sad or frustrated with life. And at those times, when we choose words of praise instead of anger or complaining, it can truly feel like a sacrifice. We want to complain but instead we praise. We sacrifice our desire to complain and replace it with praise.

So I encourage you - before you do anything else and no matter how you feel - Stop right now and offer a sacrifice of praise!