THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/Gratitude

Showing gratitude has so many proven benefits-physical, mental, and emotional-that everyone should make it a part of their daily life.

How is gratitude good for your well-being?

WHAT MEDICAL SCIENCE SAYS

According to an article in the Harvard Mental Health Letter,  "gratitude is strongly and consistently associated withe greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships."

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

The Bible encourages us to cultivate a spirit of gratitude.  "Show yourselves thankful,"  wrote the apostle Paul, who set a find example himself.   For instance, he 'thanked God unceasingly' for the positive response of others toward the message he shared with them (Colossians 3:15;  1 Thessalonians 2:13)  Lasting happiness comes not from merely saying thank you occasionally but from having a grateful disposition.  That, in turn, protects us from feelings of entitlement, envy, resentment, which would alienate people from us and rob us of joy in life.  Our creator himself has set a fine example in showing appreciation-even to mere humans!  Hebrews 6:10 states:  "God is not unrighteous so as to forget you work and the love you showed  for his name." Yes, our Creator considers it unrighteous, or unjust to show a lack of gratitude. 

Next time:  THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT - Gratitude - How does gratitude improve our relationships with others? 

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