One of the first things we hear as children is, “Remember to say ‘thank you!’”

Gratitude is a gift from God and is ours to claim as children of His. It is a state of mind or being which arises when you choose to affirm a good thing in your life outside of yourself, revealing a grateful heart, no matter your life circumstances.

Gratitude is related to life satisfaction, vitality, happiness, self-esteem, optimism, hope, empathy, and the willingness to provide emotional and tangible support for others.

In addition to the attitude of gratitude being an acknowledgment of goodness in one’s life, (and God is good!) it may also be a vital component of successful aging and longevity! (Adapted from the Yale Center for Gratitude Practice)

Of course, the practice of gratitude can be hard and painful work. It requires discipline, which literally means, “to learn.” However, the benefits are nothing short of heavenly! They come to us through the long-term cultivation of God’s gift of gratefulness and dedicated practice.

Here are just a couple of passages of Scripture that talk about gratitude:

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Lord, my God, I will give thanks to you forever! (Psalm 30:12)

If this topic speaks to you, I encourage you to come to our Bible study on Mondays, February 17 – May 11, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm in room 245.

During this time, we will explore what Scripture has to say about gratitude, examine the tools you can use to live a grateful life, experience the awe of gratitude, and celebrate God’s gift to us of the grateful heart and mind.

Don’t fear if this is new territory! We are all in this together with God as our guide. And in the end, living with a grateful heart will improve your relationship with God, others, and yourself.

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all the others.”

-Cicero