In the Bible, gratitude is defined as extending favor towards or giving grace and kindness as a response. If we go back to the Bible’s original language, the Greek word for gratitude refers to the quality of showing appreciation and returning kindness.
Journalist Aliss Higham, speaking on MSNBC, provided a powerful example of gratitude expressed through action: “By safeguarding earned benefits, expanding pathways to meaningful employment for disabled Veterans, and formally honoring our courageous Purple Heart heroes, New York is once again proving that gratitude must be matched with action.”
Showing gratitude throughout the day is a simple way to show God how grateful we are for who he is. Regularly giving thanks not only helps us fully realize how he is working in our lives, but it also provides a new perspective. Our minds are renewed, our attitudes are improved, and we are filled with joy when we show our gratitude.
Practicing gratitude can make you feel better. It changes how your brain works, how you see the world, and how you live in it. But let’s not confuse this with the toxic positivity culture that demands we find the silver lining in every disaster. Real gratitude is more radical and often more uncomfortable than that.
Gratitude is about noticing what’s already good in your life, which sounds easy, but it is actually one of the hardest and most important mental habits to build. The Apostle Paul taught that gratitude is a necessary part of a believer’s life, a command from God, and a practice that brings peace and counters anxiety.
Paul emphasized showing gratitude in all circumstances, not just for good things, but also for God’s grace amidst suffering and salvation. He connected expressions of gratitude to a life of prayer and saw it as a way to exalt God and build communities. He states that giving thanks is not optional but is God’s will for believers, urging people to give thanks in all circumstances and to “be ye thankful.”
Finally, we are encouraged to express our gratitude towards humanity because it can be a direct remedy for worry. Gratitude is a foundational element of prayer. Dedicating ourselves to prayer with an attitude of gratitude acknowledges God’s provision for our past and present needs.
During this holiday season, we can express our gratitude through words of appreciation, acts of service, like doing a favor or volunteering, spending quality time with someone, or giving thoughtful gifts. Express your gratitude, Be blessed and Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
Dr. Walter Ghosten
