Gratitude means thanks and appreciation. There is power when we are grateful consistently. The Bible teaches the attitude of always giving thanks in all circumstances. It is also called “attitude of gratitude.” The power of gratitude is also backed up by scientific facts. There are proven benefits of gratitude in your personal life, work, business, family, and community life.
Try to observe the words that come out from peoples’ mouth every day. You will probably hear that the majority never run out of complaints. It is seldom that we hear gratefulness and thankfulness. It is better to focus on gratefulness rather than the complaints.
There are the two main passages written by the Apostle Paul that talk about gratitude. One passage is found in Philippians 4:4-9 and the other one is in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Terms such as “rejoice,” “give thanks,” “thanksgiving, and “be joyful” are the key words in these passages.
What are the benefits when we practice the habit of gratefulness or thankfulness?
1. Eliminates Worry
In the passage above, Paul mentioned, “do not be anxious about anything” and he connected that statement to the word “Thanksgiving” which refers to gratitude. To worry, as well as to experience anxiety are natural feelings that every human being has, according to many psychologists. However, there are suggestions on how to deal with these feelings. It is not to suppress the feeling but to deal with it properly.
It is a good advice to always be thankful. This is a way to deal with worry. When we consistently practice the habit of giving thanks, the feeling of being anxious is overpowered by the sense of gratefulness. The attitude of always giving thanks eliminates our worries in life. It also turns our attention to the Lord rather than our problems and all the difficult circumstances.
2. Rekindles Happiness
There are two powerful phrases Paul mentioned in his letters that point directly to the idea of joy and happiness, “rejoice in the Lord always,” and “be joyful always.” It has been said that happiness is a choice. Paul affirmed that indeed, happiness is a choice because he was in prison when he wrote the book of Philippians. He chose to be happy even though he was inside that prison cell. He boldly said, “be joyful always.”
Related: Lifestyle of the Committed Believers
3. Produces Clarity
The statement of Paul, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding…” reveals a powerful truth! A peace that comes from God gives a clearer understanding of every situation we face in life. That is clarity. The word “transcend” means, beyond human comprehension.
When we give thanks, God’s peace will be upon us. The best thing is, this peace transcends all understanding.
4. Ignites Positive Lifestyle
It is interesting to note that Paul linked “give thanks” to “all circumstances.” If we continue reading the passage, these phrases are also connected to the statement “it is God’s will.” Sometimes, others interpret it as “it is God’s will for people to experience ‘all circumstances’ whether good or bad.” But “God’s will in this particular passage refers to “give thanks.” The Bible teaches on how to live a positive lifestyle – that is, to give thanks in all circumstances.
We can live better and have a positive lifestyle if we do the habit of “always give” thanks to the Lord, whatever the situation might be.
