A Grateful Heart 1

Memory Verse: …  “ Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV).

Text: Luke 17:11-19

Spiritual Emphasis: Gratitude refers to the ability to show thanks for the things you have and the things you’re grateful for. It helps you get closer to God by recognizing all the blessings in your life and make it easier to focus on Him. As believers, our gratitude should overflow in response to the benefits we receive as children of God. In fact, a thankful heart is a defining characteristic of a godly person since it’s an expression of His indwelling presence.

      Key to Overflowing Gratitude

• Salvation: Our thanksgiving begins as soon as we acknowledge that Christ alone is responsible for our salvation. He chose each of us before the foundation of the world – Ephesians 1:4-5; Luke 19:5-6.
• The gift of Faith: God gave us the gift of faith so we could believe in Him. From the moment we accepted Him as Savior, the Lord began to develop the qualities that produce grateful hearts – Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 4:6-7.
• Be thankful for what you have, not what you don’t have: Paul does not say a thing about needing something else to make them complete. The richest people are those who know Christ.   We never know what might happen, but as long as we have faith in Christ, we have stability. Focus on the blessings that are yours – Colossians 2:6
• A life overflowing with thanksgiving is to be shared with others: Paul instructs the people to overflow with thanksgiving together.  Tell others what they are thankful for.  When I have good news, I want to call somebody – Colossians 2:7.

Questions/Activities: How do you see life?  I’m not talking about an occasional bad day, but a way of viewing the world.  Do you think as believers there is an alternative to a life of thanksgiving?  

Conclusion. 

There are many alternatives to a life of thanksgiving. But as believers, let’s learn to start each day with a grateful heart. A life characterized by an attitude of thankfulness is not just natural but learned – (Phil. 4:9). Your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the ultimate reason to be thankful. Focus on what you have, not what is missing. May your life overflow with thankfulness, as a way of life.

Shalom! Self-Study: Matthew 5:16; Colossians 3:15; 2 Cor. 4:15; Eph. 1:16; 1 Chron. 16:34; Psalm 118:1; Psalm 136:1; 2 Thess. 1:3; Psalm 107:1; 2 Cor. 9:15; Psalm 28:7; Heb. 13:15; Psalm 100:1-5.