The Bible implores us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
People struggle to be thankful because of pride, a sense of entitlement, or lack of faith.
It has been established that if we would be more thankful, we will sleep better, be more content, and be more generous.
The Bible relates to the story where ten lepers are healed and only one comes back to Jesus to thank him.
While nine recognised their own need for healing, they were so preoccupied with their own celebrations to appreciate the giver of their freedom.
Today, we live in a society where we are prepared to give religious sacrifices by going to the priest, but we are not prepared to live a truly redeemed life.
It is easy to be religious, but much more useful to appreciate God.
When we are thankful, we realise three things. Firstly, we have received something that needs appreciation.
This requires true humility. Thankfulness comes from a heart of recognising good.
Secondly, we have received something that will benefit us. When we realise the value of what we have, we become thankful.
Lastly, we realise that somebody gave us the “good,” and that it comes from somewhere.
But we must know that God is our benefactor. He gives the good that we enjoy. It takes faith to recognise the contribution of God in our life.
Thankfulness does not arise from getting more, but from changing our mindset.
We need to confront and defeat the sense of entitlement. As stated in Luke 6:35, ungrateful people are described in the Bible as only having close association with the wicked.
To begin a life of gratefulness, start by daily recognising what there is to be grateful for. Thank God for your life and family. God is able to use even the worst situation for our good. So be thankful along the way.)Grace Mufara is of the Covenant Apostolic Church in Virginia.
