The Power of Gratitude: A Biblical Perspective
Introduction
Gratitude is the expression of appreciation for what one has. It is a recognition of value independent of monetary worth. Spontaneously generated from within, it is an affirmation of goodness and warmth.
Psychology Today
https://www.psychologytoday.com
Gratitude is also a component of a positive life. It is something we can contemplate and cultivate as a way of life. It flows form a realization of all we have from the smallest thing to the greatest adventure.
One summer I had the opportunity to worship with a small rural African Methodist Episcopal Church. The pastor began the service with a Pastoral Prayer. He gave thanks for everything everyone present had already experienced that morning. He began by being thankful for sleep and awakening, for the air we breath, eyes to she and strength to stand. He continued mentioning every detail of the process of getting to church from eating breakfast to walking in the door. It was a great lesson in gratitude!
Gratitude makes our lives better, strengthens our faith, and improves our relationships.
Gratitude as a Command from God
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”*
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Gratitude isn’t just an opinion but an encouragement from Paul for following the way of Christ. Live life this way and it works. Being thankful, even in hardship, is a testament of faith. It is transformative not only to our character but also in transforming the hardship itself.
Gratitude Brings Peace and Contentment
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”* — Colossians 3:15
Gratitude leads to inner peace by focusing on blessings rather than struggles. Self centeredness increased stress and makes things worse. Finding ways to be grateful in the middle of hardship lessens the stress and pain.
One of my favorite scriptures is Romans 8:29 “All things work together for good for those who trust the Lord.” It helps me be grateful as I try too imagine how even this situation will work out for good.
Gratitude Strengthens Your Relationship with God
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”* — Psalm 100:4
Grateful hearts are more open to experiencing God’s presence. Gratitude shifts our focus from self-centeredness to God-centeredness, deepening our faith. Christians like to say “God is good all the time…All the time God is good!” As we become grateful for every simple yet wonderful parts of life we also appreciate the creator of it all. For example the beauty of a sunrise or sunset.
Gratitude Empowers Generosity
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”* — 2 Corinthians 9:11
Grateful people tend to be more generous because they understand the abundance of God’s blessings. We enjoy being able to “Pay it forward.” Gratitude fuels giving which in turn creates a cycle of blessing.
I enjoy folding a dollar into a diamond ring. I give them as part of my tips. The waitresses are grateful. It makes their day. It also brings me joy to do it and see their appreciation.
Gratitude Cultivates Joy and Strength
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”* — Nehemiah 8:10
Gratitude helps us find joy, even in difficult circumstances. Joy found through gratitude becomes a source of strength and resilience.
Conclusion
Gratitude flows from our relationship with God. Sometimes it is easy. Sometimes it may take effort to be grateful in the middle of difficulties. However, as we cultivate an attitude of gratitude it will grow In us and spread to others.
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