Living with Gratitude

Key Verse

[Give] thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:18 ESV)

The benefits of living with gratitude are immense, including better sleep, reduced stress, positive mental outlook, improved relationships, increased productivity, and closeness with God. I think we would all agree this is an impressive list. And while we’d all like to experience these benefits with as little effort as possible, this is simply not reality. The truth is living with gratitude requires intentionality as gratitude does not happen by chance but rather by choice. Yet it is a choice we will never regret as living this way benefits us personally, encourages others, and most significantly honors God.

Practicing Gratitude

Anyone who’s ever played a musical instrument or engaged in a sport understands the need for habitual practice. This is because committed practice is the only way to improve and ultimately excel. And this is true not only for sports and music, but for everything. I am of the conviction that whatever we do habitually is in fact practice, and this would include living with gratitude.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, speaks of this very thing by encouraging the believers to practice what they had learned from him (see Philippians 4:9). And this same principle applies to us. We too need to put into practice what we learn through Scripture, hear in sermons, and glean in Bible study with other believers. Practicing in this way results not only in supernatural peace, as Paul promised the Philippians, but also in authentic joy and great gratitude.

Releasing Gratitude

It’s not enough to have a head knowledge of gratitude. Instead, gratitude, to be effective, must be released. You see, gratitude is personally experienced and made evident, not by what we think or know, but far more significantly by what we say. And one of the consistent practices of individuals committed to living with gratitude is expressing thanks to God and others

Our spoken thanks to God can be as simple as a verbal prayer of gratitude, a song of praise or a spontaneous declaration of thanks. God isn’t as concerned about the method as He is the motivation for our gratitude. What is most significant is that we are purposeful in declaring thanks to God, and not just sometimes, rather always.

In addition, expressing thanks to others is equally important as is expressing thanks to God. I say this with confidence as the greatest commandment is loving God supremely and loving others as we love ourselves. And gratitude is one of the most effective and meaningful ways to express love and appreciation to others.

Demonstrating Gratitude

While expressing gratitude is heard, demonstrating gratitude is seen, and both are critical. Demonstrating gratitude energizes our grateful words, providing authenticity to what we say. In essence, demonstrating gratitude proves that the words we speak are genuine.

It blesses the heart of our Father when we tell Him we appreciate Him and thank Him for all He’s done. However, our spoken words are made visible to Him not only by what we say, but also by what we do. In the very same way, others feel valued and appreciated not only by our expressive words, but equally important by our tangible actions. Speaking and demonstrating gratitude are equally important, and neither is a substitute for the other.

Eternal Gratitude

Living with gratitude is both a privilege and a practice. It’s a privilege in that we truly have so much to be grateful for. Despite our personal struggles and challenges, the God of the Universe is with us and for us. And this knowledge alone is the primary reason for continual gratitude.

Living with gratitude is also a practice, but not only for the present, but for the future as well. You see, one day heaven will be the eternal reality for every follower of Jesus. And in heaven everyone is filled with perpetual gratitude. Further, in heaven everyone repeatedly releases and demonstrates gratitude, but not to each other, rather solely to God. And finally in heaven, everyone constantly sees the object of their gratitude, Jesus, The Savior, The Lamb of God, and the only One worthy of eternal gratitude.

So today, perhaps consider the practical ways you can connect with gratitude as a way of life. Keep in mind, living this way begins with a choice and requires intentional practice and action. However, the benefits of living this way are well worth any personal effort, and is only preparing us for eternity.

“Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.”

– A.W. Tozer

Coming Next Week: In our December posts, we’ll look at lessons we can learn from those who were there for the birth of Jesus.

Pray

Wonderful Jesus, please accept my heartfelt gratitude for all you are and everything you’ve done for me. There aren’t words adequate to express my heartfelt gratitude, but the best I know how, I say, “Thank you, Lord.” You are an awesome God, and I am privileged to know you as Savior and Friend. Amen

Community Question of the Week

How does the reality of eternal gratitude inspire you to live with gratitude now?

Encourage others with your response HERE!