Going beyond saying “thank you”

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15 NLT

Genuine gratitude is a heartfelt expression of appreciation. It is never an undefined “good feeling” about something or someone. It reflects a specific deed or action of another and the person to whom you owe something, whether or not you can ever repay that gift.

In a very real sense that is what God’s grace is about. Grace – God’s great favor and kindness – is what brought God’s Son to Earth, providing for our salvation. Grace and God’s faithfulness in extending His mercy to us is what sustains us and what keeps us.

Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the center of it. On the left side write, “What I have that I am thankful for,” and on the other side write, “What I do not have that I am equally thankful for.” On the left side you may write things such as family – a spouse and your children, your home, spiritual blessings and, perhaps, material possessions.

But then what about the right side? In considering what to write there, would you also acknowledge that it is in what you lack that you have discovered the sufficiency of God, who has brought friends and experiences into your life that you would never have known had you not faced difficulties and trouble?

Had God’s children not been hungry in the wilderness, they would never have known manna. Had Daniel not been in the lion’s den, he would never have known God’s sustaining power. Had Peter never been in prison, he would never have known deliverance by an angel.

Gratitude – going beyond simply saying, “Thanks!” – is a habit developed through experiencing difficulties. Sincere gratitude embraces what you are thankful for and to whom you are grateful.

Used with permission from Guidelines Philippines, Inc. To learn more about Guidelines and the ministry, please write to Box 4000, 1280 Makati City, Philippines or e-mail address box4000@guidelines.org. You may also visit our website at www.guidelines.org.