Acts of Gratitude for Ordinary DaysSýnishorn

Why Be Grateful?

“Why be grateful?” my husband asked one morning as we talked about writing a devotional on gratitude.

I thought for a moment, surprisingly stumped.

“I’m not sure,” I said with a laugh. “I think there are lots of ­reasons—​­God asks us to, it’s good for us, I really want our kids to have a good example of being grateful. Just to list a few.”

He nodded in agreement. “That’s for sure.” We both chuckled.

As we finished our devotions and I went about my day, I kept pondering his question. Why should we be grateful? I prayerfully thought, bringing my question to God.

As I listened for an answer, I realized thankfulness pulls me out of myself and away from focusing on my life and problems. It frees me up to love others without strings attached. It shifts my focus so I can see another person’s needs and have empathy for what they may be going through in life. And it reminds me to appreciate all I have, even the simplest of things.

Jesus’ two greatest commandments were to love God and to love others. Everything else we do as Christians hinges on these two things. When we go throughout our days with an attitude of gratitude for the things we have, the people we love, and the simple joys in our lives, we will be more inclined to show love to God and others because we won’t be jealous or angry about what others have or stingy with our own possessions. With a grateful heart, we’re able to recognize that there is abundance in the Kingdom of God, leaving us free to share all that we have.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

What might God be inviting you into as you consider gratitude this year? Think about three ways thankfulness could change your perspective and how you love God and those around you.