4 Days to Growing Gratitude in MarriageSample

A grateful heart is joyful and generous. Today’s scriptures show a connection between generosity, gratitude, and joy.

First, in Psalms 50, we see that although before Jesus’ death on the cross animal sacrifices were required to atone for sin, this was not because God needed the sacrifices. He needs for nothing: As He says in this passage, “All the world is mine, and everything in it” (verse 12). God is the owner of the world and all that is in it. In His generosity, He provides for all our needs. And in response, he instructs us to “make thankfulness your sacrifice to God.” While animal sacrifices had their place at that time in history, what God wanted more was for his people to be grateful.

2 Corinthians 9 shows that God is pleased by both generosity and the gratitude which results from it, counting both as “good things” that resulted from the believer’s ministry. We further see the benefit of a generous spirit in Proverbs 11:25, which says that generosity brings its reward. Gratitude has a powerful shaping effect on our minds and hearts.

When we’re generous, whether by sharing life-giving words, responding graciously when we’re irritated with our spouse, or giving tangible things to fulfill a need, we reflect God’s generous nature. When we respond with gratitude, we follow God’s instruction. Both are counted as good in His eyes.

Have you ever experimented with a gratitude journal? I’ll never forget when I first tried this. I could not believe the difference that this one small change made in my life. It’s this simple: Start by writing down three specific things you’re grateful for each night. When I tried this, I noticed within a few days that my outlook on life had changed: I walked around each day looking for what I would thank God for, and the more I looked, the more I could find! After a few days, it was hard to limit the list, and my entire mood and outlook had shifted.

The gratitude experiment is one example of the power of obeying God’s commands throughout Scripture. Practice thinking about the things you appreciate in your marriage, then telling your spouse the good you see. Notice the way this generosity and gratitude cycle impacts your heart, mind, and relationship.

Next Steps:

1. What do you appreciate about your spouse? When you think something good about your spouse, say it!

2. Start a gratitude journal, whether on your own or together with your spouse.

4-Week Reframing Challenge

To continue working on a better perspective about your life and marriage, take our 4-Week Reframing Challenge

What is your mindset about your marriage? Are you experiencing peace and contentment? Or struggling with disappointment and resentment?

If you are ready to have a better perspective and a better marriage - this Biblical challenge is for you!

You can foster a more positive and fulfilling marriage! This challenge will teach you a biblical approach to take your thoughts captive and practice gratitude so you can shift out of negative mindsets and into a positive frame of mind.

Stop waiting for your spouse to change. Take charge of your thought life and see how God changes your life for the better as you renew your mind!

Learn more about the 4-Week Reframing Challenge here.