I am a bona fide thank you note writer. I learned this virtue from the women in my life, namely my mom, aunt and grandmother. I am grateful for this as I realize that had this not been modeled to me, more than likely I would not be practicing this habit. I know this to be true as gratitude does not come naturally— not for me or anyone else for that matter. And while I might have mastered the art of thank you card writing, sadly I miss the mark of authentic gratitude by a wide margin much of the time.

The sobering truth is that griping and complaining flow far easier from the human heart than does gratitude. And while this is a problem, it’s not a new one. Instead, it’s been an issue for people in every generation. Thankfully for us today, there is much we can learn from Holy Scripture that has the power to shape our thinking and redirect our posture towards the attitude of gratitude.

The Call to Gratitude

The call to gratitude is a dominant theme throughout the biblical narrative, and rightly so. You see, for some unknown cause at various times throughout our life journey we all seem to suffer from gratitude amnesia. And when this happens, we forget the multitude of reasons we have to be grateful.

Over time, if left unchecked, this unexplainable memory loss has the potential of turning a gratitude attitude into a bad attitude. So, what’s the solution? The good news is there is one. It’s filling our minds and spirits with what is right, true and beautiful. And we accomplish this by meditating upon the Scriptures reminding us of what is true and prompting us in what to do.

The following verses are a few of my favorites, calling attention to gratitude:

  • [L]et the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 ESV
  • [G]ive thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1
  • [G]ive thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
  • [Give] thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ… Ephesians 5:20

Perhaps consider adding to this list by searching the Scriptures for additional verses.

The Gratitude of Jesus

The Bible includes many inspiring narratives of individuals expressing gratitude to God, yet none as compelling as that of Jesus on the final day of His life. On the evening of His betrayal, arrest, and the very night before His crucifixion, Jesus modeled gratitude to God while serving the Passover meal. This takes on far greater significance when you realize Jesus was in fact the Passover Lamb.

As He led in the symbolic Passover remembrance, Jesus took the bread as a representation of His body that would be broken, blessed it, broke it, and distributed it. In the same way, He took the cup of wine, representing the blood that would soon pour from His beaten body. But this time in an extreme demonstration of gratitude, He also offered a prayer of thanks before serving His friends.

On the absolute worst night of His life, knowing the horror that awaited Him, Jesus intentionally chose to give thanks, knowing that soon His Father’s will and eternal plan would be accomplished.

Gratitude in a Most Unlikely Place

I recently read a story that challenged me to rethink the source of true gratitude. In 1944 sisters Corrie and Betsie ten Boom were deported to the Ravensbrück concentration camp following the Nazi invasion of Holland. As the two young women took in the scope of their new horrific surroundings, there was truly nothing to be thankful for. Yet despite the stench, the cramped quarters and the swarming fleas, Betsie reminded Corrie that according to Scripture, thankfulness must be their response to every circumstance, including their barracks.

Betsie then led her sister in a prayer of gratitude for the blessing of being together, for their Bibles that had not been confiscated, for the opportunity they would have to witness to other women in their room, and yes, even for the fleas!

In Closing

The examples of individuals like Corrie and Betsie ten Boom, as well as the example that Jesus left us, serve to continually remind us that gratitude is not based on circumstances. Instead, gratitude is demonstrated and activated by choice–a choice that only we can make as gratitude is not enforced upon anyone.

Gratitude is the result of becoming grateful. And gratefulness is only possible when we acknowledge that God is infinitely good in every season. And as if this weren’t enough, He is also with us, for us, and working all things for our good and His greater purpose.

And this knowledge alone should be all we will ever need in making the choice for gratitude.

 

Want to hear a powerful story of gratefulness is the midst of a difficult trial? Look for this very encouraging story in next week’s post.

Pray

Dear Jesus, I am challenged as I consider what authentic gratitude looks and acts like. The fact that you chose to demonstrate gratitude on the worst day of your life both humbles and inspires me. Thank you also for heroes like Corrie and Betsie ten Boom that you worked through to remind me that gratitude is not based on circumstances but is instead a matter of choice. And finally thank you for your Word that speaks to me and encourages me in what is right, true, and beautiful. I offer to you my highest gratitude. In Your beautiful Name I pray, Amen

 

Extend grace to others!

If you’ve been encouraged, strengthened, or edified by this week’s post, please consider sharing Grace Notes for You with a friend.


Community Question of the Week

Can you think of a specific time when you, or someone you know, made the choice for gratitude in spite of circumstances?

Encourage others with your response HERE!