Day 8: Thankfulness

Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

The idea of thankfulness as a character quality was at first new to Timothy. But as he pondered this, he discovered that thankfulness has to be valued before it will be embraced as anything more than a social courtesy.

What does thankfulness mean in one’s behavior? Timothy described it as “Sincerely showing others my gratitude for their effect on my life.”

He noted several significant aspects of thanksgiving he wanted to share with his leadership team and congregation:

• Thankfulness is a result of thoughtfulness. A thoughtful person realizes a kindness done, and takes time to express appreciation in a way that the other person will understand and accept. That is not true of a person who is characteristically thoughtless.
• Thankfulness shows humility. We demonstrate healthy humility when we give credit to others for their impact on our lives, rather than directing all the credit and attention to ourselves. Saying or writing an appropriate “Thank you!” also strengthens that bond.
• Thankfulness is a discipline. At times, we must choose our response to a situation as an act of our will, not our emotions. Even in very difficult situations, our will to be thankful can change our despair to hope; it can change our anger to joy. Our response to personal successes and setbacks is our choice.
• A thankful person is blessed in several important ways: with calming peace, constant contentment, and deeper joy.

Nurturing a Thankful Heart

1. Do you tend to see the proverbial glass as half full or half empty?
2. How can your thankfulness help or hinder your long-term effectiveness?
3. How can you encourage those you lead or disciple to become more thankful this month?

Read about the Samaritan leper’s thankfulness in Luke 17:11–19. Ponder 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Prayer: Lord, make me a thankful instrument of Your peace. . . .