The Greatest MotivationSample

We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds. - Psalm 75:1

The people of Israel gave thanks to God every day, and we, as the church of Christ, must also thank the Lord every day for His blessings and benefits in our lives. But why is gratitude so important? We need to understand that gratitude brings many benefits and blessings to our lives.

Gratitude helps us overcome sadness (Proverbs 15:15). Many times we feel sad because of what we lack or have not achieved. But when we have a grateful heart, we can truly see all that we have. When we recognize all we have received, much of it undeserved, we can change our sadness into joy by realizing how blessed we are.

Gratitude allows us to see life from a different perspective (Psalm 103:2). Surely we all know negative people who always complain about everything, who are never satisfied, who always think everything is wrong. In reality, that negativity doesn't come from how bad their life is but from the lack of gratitude in their hearts. These are people who believe life owes them something when in fact we are the ones in debt for so much goodness and mercy that the Lord has had with us.

Gratitude allows us to recognize that we are loved (1 Peter 2:9). Many people live sad and disappointed because they don't feel loved and valued by someone. But when we are grateful to the Lord for His salvation, for His love, for taking us as His children, for being our Father, for allowing us to be part of His family and Kingdom, then we can recognize that we are truly loved and highly valued by our God. Stop crying over someone who doesn't love you when you have a God who loves you with eternal love.

Gratitude strengthens relationships with our family (1 Timothy 5:4). We need to understand something very important: gratitude must also be practiced with our family. As children, we must be grateful to our parents and repay them for the effort and dedication they had for us. Likewise, we must practice gratitude with our neighbors. Giving thanks and having acts of gratitude strengthen unity and brotherly love.