An ATTITUDE to be encouraged – an ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE
Whilst the word ‘gratitude’ is not seen in many English translations of the Bible it is a theme that runs through both the Old and the New Testament.
Gratitude is a major element of any relationship. The meaning of the word ‘gratitude’ in Websters Dictionary of 1828:
GRAT’ITUDE, n. [L. gratitudo, from gratus, pleasing. See Grace.]
An emotion of the heart, excited by a favor or benefit received; a sentiment of kindness or good will towards a benefactor; thankfulness. Gratitude is an agreeable emotion, consisting in or accompanied with good will to a benefactor, and a disposition to make a suitable return of benefits or services, or when no return can be made, with a desire to see the benefactor prosperous and happy. Gratitude is a virtue of the highest excellence, as it implies a feeling and generous heart, and a proper sense of duty.
The love of God is the sublimest gratitude.
The Hebrew and Greek words for thankfulness, thanksgiving and thanks appear many times in the Old and New Testaments respectively. Giving thanks to our Lord is an important theme that runs through scripture and probably one of the most well-known verses is in St. Pauls writings to the church in Thessalonica where he gives a number of concise instructions to the church, including one relating to gratitude:
“Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:18)
Like so many words these days the words gratitude, thanks and thankfulness have been dumbed down e.g. when we say thanks to a barista for our coffee it can become habit and not from the heart, or thanks is not given at all for the service undertaken. Does this attitude spill over to the way we give thanks to our God and lead a life of thankfulness.
God expects us to respond to who He is and what He does with gratitude. Psalms 50 shows the importance of thankfulness to God “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for all the world is mine and everything in it. Do I eat the meat of bulls? Do I drink the blood of goats? Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.” Psalm 50:12-14 [NLT]
Gratitude is also important in building other relationships which includes marriage. Over the years there have been several research papers that have shown that gratitude can positively affect the well-being of the relationship of husband and wife. Being grateful, having an attitude of gratitude, when it is authentic is powerful. Gratitude sheds light on the gifts, the good gifts that we have been given by God and for those married the good gifts from our husband or wife.
Developing an attitude of gratitude, which is an important part of our relationship with God, will also enhance relationships within family, the church, friends, neighbours, the work environment and more but it does need a regular “work out” rather like many things if you don’t use it you lose it.
We need to have a lifestyle of gratitude, authentic gratitude to God and in marriage and other relationships.
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