The Gratitude ChallengeSample

Love gives freely. And so does God, because God is love. God gave us everything we have: our mothers and fathers, our shelter, our treasures, our blessings. All good things come from Him.

We’re learning about gratitude. While Jesus was on earth, He revolutionized gratitude. Ironically enough, He was actually considered an ingrate in His time. Instead of subscribing to the ways of the world, Jesus was genuinely concerned for the poor. He turned the whole circle of reciprocity on its head by giving and expecting nothing in return. Instead of a giver “giving” to a poor receiver who would then have to live indebted to that giver, Jesus modeled what it meant to give a gift free of reciprocity.

Jesus knew the cycle He was breaking. He instructed His disciples not to act like gentile benefactors who lord their giving after their subjects. Those people imposed debts and obligations to others with the expectation of exponential repayment. Instead, Jesus embodied sacrifice and gratitude.

Now we can live grateful and free lives because Jesus paid our debts. He gave the ultimate gift––His life––for nothing in return.

After you watch today’s video, think about the ways God is blessing you for which you can be grateful. Think of the gifts in your life––the gestures of kindness from others, the simple, every-day pleasures, the personal strengths and talents, the people in your life––and remember that you are gifted.

Then, ask what ways you can give back to others as an appropriate response to the gratitude you feel. Who can you tell? How can you pay it forward? Can you purchase someone’s coffee or toll or pay for someone’s food in line behind you? Maybe there’s an errand you can run for a neighbor.

Don’t forget, we have a lot to be grateful for.