THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/Gratitude

How does gratitude improve our relationships with others?

WHAT EXPERIENCE TELLS YOU

When we express sincere gratitude-whether for a gift, a kind word, or practical help-we make the giver feel valued and appreciated. Even strangers respond warmly to people who sincerely thank them for doing a kind deed, such as holding a door open. 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

"Practice giving," says Jesus Christ,  and  people will give to you.  They will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing."  ( Luke  6:38) Consider the experience of Rose, a deaf girl in Vanuatu, an island nation in the South Pacific. 

Rose attended the Christian meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses but got little benefit from them,  since neither she nor anyone else in the congregation  new sign language.  When a couple who were proficient sign-language interpreters visited the congregation and saw the problem, the started a sign-language class. Rose was deeply grateful.  "I am happy to have so many friends who love me," she said. Seeing her gratitude and watching  her now participate in the meetings is more than enough reward for the couple who helped her. Rose also deeply appreciates the efforts that others made to learn sign language in order to communicate with her. -Acts 20:35. 

"The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies [God]." -Psalm 50:23.

How can you cultivate a grateful spirit?

Our feelings are closely linked to our thoughts.  The Bible writer David said in prayer to God;  "I meditate on your activity; I eagerly ponder over the work of your hands." (Psalm 143:5)  Yes, David  was not a distracted, superficial person.  His thankful spirit stemmed from his regular contemplation of God's ways, a practice he cultivated all his life. -Psalm 71:5, 17. 

The Bible gives us this excellent advice:  'Whatever things are true, lovable, well-spoken-of, virtuous, and praiseworthy-continue thinking about these things.  ((Philippians 4:8)   The words "continue thinking about" point yet again to our need to have a thoughtful disposition, which is a prerequisite for a grateful spirit. 

"The meditation of my heart will show understanding." -Psalm 49:3. 

Next time: Aristotle's View of the Universe/ Aristotle

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