Gratitude: It’s an Attitude right?

I searched “gratitude examples” and found these top 4 links from the enquiry:

• 5 examples of Gratitude to Inspire you
• 50 Ways to Show Gratitude for the People in your life
• 13 Things I’ve Learned Writing 1,024 Gratitude Lists
• Gratitude Journal: 67 Templates, Ideas, and Apps for Your Diary

None of these articles really compare with the simple truth spoken by the Apostle Paul instructing the Colossians on living daily as a true Christ-follower.

Colossians 2:6-7
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

Colossians 3:16-17
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

The root word from which “gratitude” (in 2:7) and “thankfulness” (in 3:16-17) originates is “Grace.”

Gratitude stems from, or originates out of a true understanding of Grace.  Unmerited favor, underserved love, shown in our direction by the Creator of all things, demonstrated vividly in the death of His Son, and insured for all eternity by the seal of His promised Holy Spirit.

Only those in this world who have received this Grace are themselves capable of being truly grateful.  It is so clearly seen in the ugliness of ungrateful, entitled, egotistical people in this country, and indeed around the globe who see no need for God, or His grace.  Gratitude is lost on them, for they are proud, arrogant, self-made people.

When you walk into worship today, I wonder… will your first thoughts be filled with gratitude?  I have a better idea.  Why not start now, as you sit reading this.  Just open your heart in gratitude for the grace shown to you in Jesus Christ.  Thankfulness is the perfect warm-up exercise for the acts of worship where we hope to engage on this Lord’s day.

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart exults,
And with my song I shall thank Him.

Gratitude