Gratitude is one of the most powerful feelings God has given us the capacity to experience His presence and enhance our spiritual lives. It refers to the quality of being thankful and a readiness to show appreciation and return kindness. Showing gratitude throughout life's trials and blessings can make us pleasant to be around as we give off immense joy. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, remember good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. When we walk in a state of gratitude, we do not have time for the opposite emotions and can help others to experience gratitude for themselves.
Gratitude can change your life by helping you to appreciate what you have rather than what you do not have. It is the single most powerful source of inspiration that a person can tap into if they simply just stop and pay attention to the simplistic beauty and miracle of life. Practicing gratitude actually increases dopamine in your brain and encourages your brain to seek more of the same to be grateful for.
In demonstrating gratitude, we must avoid complaining, speaking of the bad circumstance, about what we may be owed or may feel we may have missed. We must be careful of how we speak to others whether at home, at work, or in the streets and the attitude that we show on a daily basis.
Me must set clear guidelines and boundaries so that we do not end up complaining when someone has not met an expectation. A clear expectation for you may be or seem unrealistic for another to meet. It is clear that we are not owed anything from God. All is a gift, especially His kindness towards us.
“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Ephesians 5:20 KJV).
Look for the gift(s) in a person and express their good points. A person may need that boost of confidence to make it to their next day or goal. Even though they did not meet your expectation, God already knows what their potential is and may be stretching them through you. Be patient and express thankfulness for the opportunity to help them develop and watch them grow.
Simon was a Pharisee and hosted a meal at his house. Yet Simon seemed to take for granted the “gift” of having Jesus at his table and failed to show Him the usual marks of hospitality such as a greeting kiss, water to wash his feet, or oil for his head. (Luke 7:36-50) Every person is a “gift” in the sight of God, and we have to see them through His eyes the same way.
Avoid comparing people because among friends and family this can lead to biases, barriers, and stereotypes about people who struggle. Someone may be suffering from OCD, Depression or PTSD or another debilitating illness that causes them to be or act a little different. We must see them as God sees them and give them the same space for grace that was once afforded to us. Embrace them without judgment. We do not know what their life was like growing up to cause them to be in a state of suffering. I am sure that they do not like themselves the way they are and are praying to change. Stand in the gap and pray for them as well.
At this holiday season, Christmas is a time when families and friends get together. We must show gratitude for being alive, in spite of any health situation or any diagnosis. If you cannot be with family, or friends, volunteer or start a new tradition and take a break from your old traditions. Instead of going on a shopping spree, donate to a worthy cause. Challenge yourself to make a plan to show gratitude on a daily basis and keep a journal of it as best you can.
Gratitude is about responding to the kindness, goodness, and sacrifice of the giver. We can understand and experience the Gift of Jesus, by practicing being a giver of ourselves.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV)
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17 ESV)
by Caroline Demby
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