Psalm 100
Gratitude is an amazing thing. According to a Harvard study, gratitude makes a person healthier and happier. Regardless of religion, gratitude is an important aspect of life and should be embraced. Today, we're going to look at some Biblical principles of gratitude and how to show gratitude to our Creator.
Four Biblical Principles About Gratitude
- Gratitude begins by noticing God’s blessings. … Sometimes we take everyday things for granted. Electricity. Heating. Plumbing. When they stop working, we suddenly realize how grateful we are to have them. Intentionally thank God for your housing and utilities, for your health, for family and friends, for work and fun, for creation and nature, for your talents, abilities, and opportunities, and for your local church.
- Gratitude focuses on the giver, not just the gift. … In Luke 17, Jesus heals ten lepers. Only one, a foreigner, returned to thank Him. The nine were glad to receive the gift and ran off to enjoy it but neglected to thank the giver. Let us not forget to show gratitude to the giver.
- Gratitude guards against complaining. … We can always find something to complain or grumble about. but that's an unhealthy habit to have. Instead, try to enjoy what you have, because, as Charles Spurgeon said, ”it’s not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes us happy.” We can complain that we don't have this or that, but what we should be doing is enjoying what we do have.
- Gratitude helps us stay gospel-focused. … As believers, we have received the greatest gift anyone could ever receive Salvation. We've been given victory over sin and a hope and a future in Heaven.
Four Ways You Can Grow in Gratitude
- Make a list of blessings. … Grab a notepad or notes app and make a specific list of ten blessings in your life. “Count your blessings, name them one by one.”
- Thank God for something every time you pray. … Choose something you are thankful for when you pray and thank Him for it when you start a prayer.
- Be specific in your gratitude. … General gratitude is good, but being specific helps us realize just how many blessings there are and leads us to be more thankful.
- Let your gratitude turn into generosity. … Our church does several outreach programs this time of year that need people who are willing to give.
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