When you think of gratitude what comes to mind?

Gratitude is a noun derived from the Latin root word gratus meaning thankful or pleasing.

The Hebrew term for gratitude is hakarat ha’tov, which translates to: “recognizing the good.”

When you think about “recognizing the good” even in small ways, it will lead us to notice the good in all aspects of our lives.

Gratitude affirms and has a way of multiplying. The more we “recognize the good “and profess gratitude, the more reasons we will find to be thankful.

When you consider what our Lord Jesus Christ chose to do for us through His life, death, and resurrection and what He continues to do for us every day every moment. How could we not have a heart of gratitude.

The following are a few examples of gratitude in the Bible.

The woman who washes Jesus’ (Luke 7:36-47) was so filled with thankfulness for the forgiveness of her sins and the goodness of Jesus, that she couldn’t contain herself. Her expression of gratitude was displayed by the pouring of expensive oil on Jesus (Matthew 26:6-7).

Jesus heals 10 lepers but only 1 came back to express his gratitude to Jesus (Luke 17:11-19).

Hannah gives thanks for the son she prayed for, and her gratitude is shown by dedicating him to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27-28).

Paul the former Christian murderer, who had been in prison, who was beaten and shipwrecked. Yet his attitude of gratitude,{remembering who he used to be} is what kept him through it all (Philippians 4:11-12).

Jesus gave thanks before going to the cross. He gave Himself to God and to the world, not with coercion, but with gratitude, grateful for the privilege of obeying his Father and of fulfilling the mission He had been sent to earth to complete (Luke 22:42).

As we think about what it means to have gratitude keep these four points in mind:

1. Remember Him: Truly remembering God means He is on your mind throughout the day. He is a part of your thoughts, words, and deeds. Moreover, remembering God means sharing Him with others(Psalm 96:2-4).
2. Serve Others: One of the most profound ways to express your gratitude to God is by serving others in His name (Acts 20:35).
3. Express Gratitude to Others: God honors expressions of gratitude towards others who are serving you. Any kindness regardless of size is a reason to express your thanks (Ephesians 5:20).
4. Pray: Every day is a testimony to God's work in your life. Take time every day to express your gratitude for life and it will promote a sense of joy in everything you do (Psalm 95:1-3).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank You for Your grace and for Your blessings over us. Thank You that Your Word teaches us the power of gratitude. Thank You for the hope You bring even in the toughest of times, to help strengthening us for Your purposes. Forgive us for when we do not thank You enough, for who You are, for all that You do, and for all that You have given. Help us to daily set our eyes and our hearts on You and Your will. We give You praise, honor, glory, and thanks, for You alone are worthy! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

PEARLStoPONDER: Gratitude is the direct result of God’s grace!