A Grateful Heart 2

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

Text: Psalms 100:1-5

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.

      Some Examples of Who Showed Gratitude in the Bible

• The leper: Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem when He met 10 people with leprosy. Out of His love and sovereignty, He healed all 10 lepers. Only one of them, however, returned to thank and praise God, he threw himself on Jesus’ feet, and thanked Him – Luke 17:11-19.
• The sinful woman: Jesus was eating with Pharisees when a “sinful” woman showed up, brought a precious alabaster jar of expensive perfume, kissed Jesus’ feet, and washed them with her hair and perfume. She showed an act of worship and gratitude to Jesus, and Jesus forgave her sins in response – Luke 7:36-50.
• King David: King David wrote the Psalms, where he talked about how grateful he is to God. Even when he was at his lowest points (for instance, murdering a man and committing adultery), he always repented and recommitted his life to God, thanking Him for His forgiveness – Psalms 7, 28, 69, 95, 100, 103.

Questions/Activities: What are some of the life lessons we can apply to our everyday life from the examples above?

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.