Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:16-17 NKJV
Gratitude (_Grace_)
Is a feeling of receiving something you are not “entitled” to, a heart of appreciation.
Gratitude is a personal response to experiencing God’s goodness.
When you realize that God is working in your life- you’ll show gratefulness in how you live your life!
Thankfulness is a feeling that relates to an action/behavior that helps you and it’s usually a temporary feeling.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
1). Be joyful. . . . . . . . . _always_.
V16 Rejoice always,
2). Pray . . . . . . . . . _without ceasing_.
V17 pray without ceasing,
3). Give thanks . . . . . . . _in all circumstances_.
V18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Don’t miss this. . . . . . . . .
1). God did not say be thankful FOR all things, but be thankful IN all things.
2). And since it is God’s will for us to give thanks, He never tells us to do anything He, Himself is not able to do through us.
There is no event or circumstance that can occur in my life that should diminish my joy, prayers or my thankfulness.
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:10-13
9 out of 10 miss this opportunity to express thanksgiving with a grateful heart.
10 Healed of leprosy and only the Samaritan returned to give thanks.
Luke 17:11-19
1). _Perception_ of gratitude.
“Then one of them, when he SAW that he was healed. . . ” (V15)
2). _Priority_ of gratitude.
3). Position of gratitude.
Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back, praising God with a loud voice; and fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.
Luke 17:15-16
Checklist:
How do I know I have a grateful heart?
1). What do you tend to talk more about- your blessings or your disappointments?
2). Are you content or contentious?
3). Are you a complimenter or a complainer?
4). Would others say you are always thankful and grateful?
How can I have a grateful heart?
1). _Recognize_ that even though everything is not good in itself, God can and will use everything for His good and our blessing.
Romans 8:28
2). God has a purpose for everything despite _our opinion_.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9
3). Stop, look at your blessings, turn around and give back to the Lord surrender and praise and humble thanksgiving.
And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”
Luke 17:19