A Grateful Heart- Review

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

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.

      Highlights:

• Key to overflowing Gratitude: Salvation – Eph. 1:4-5; The gift of Faith – Eph. 2:8-9; Phil. 4:6-7; Be thankful for what you have, not what you don’t have: Col. 2:6; A life overflowing with thanksgiving is to be shared with others: Col. 2:7. 
• Some examples of those who showed Gratitude in the Bible: The leper –Luke 17:11-19; The sinful woman – Luke 7:36-50; King David – Ps.103. 
• Choose Gratitude: Give thanks to God – John 3:27; Matt. 7:9-11; Rom. 11:36; Give thanks in all circumstances – Rom. 8:28-29; Dan. 2:17-23. 

Questions/Activities: 

• As you continue to thank God for the blessings and gifts in your life, are there lessons we can learn from the life of Daniel on how he handled his trials and challenges? 
• Do you think as a believer 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 100:1-5.100:1-5.