For the last seven years, Jane, our realtor who sold our home and helped us buy another, has delivered an apple pie every Thanksgiving week to thank all her clients. Between the annual apple pie deliveries are monthly, personalized notecards and informative flyers that are worth reading. This November was all about The Power of Gratitude, outlining the benefits of expressing gratitude. Here are some I picked.
Gratitude creates stronger relationships.
The first book of Samuel tells of the famous battle between David and Goliath. Chapter 17 closes with Abner, King Saul’s commander-in-chief, presenting David, along with Goliath’s head, to the king. The king’s son Jonathan was with them. After David introduced himself as Jesse’s son, the following chapter opens with, “As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul” (v.1, ESV).
The death of the Philistines’ champion meant the end of the constant raids that Jonathan had to battle with the king and his army. Jonathan can finally take some time off and rest. So, “Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt” (v.4). This was a way of Jonathan showing gratitude and favor to David—bequeathing his own armor. And David’s acceptance confirmed their brotherhood, cementing their well-known relationship forever.
Now Saul’s jealousy of David’s war successes created a serious problem for David. However, David must be deeply grateful for his bond with Jonathan, as his friend saved his life with a timely warning. “Saul, my father, seeks to kill you. Therefore, be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself. And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you. And if I learn anything, I will tell you” (19:2-3). Jonathan may be Saul’s son, but his close relationship with David brought wisdom to his decision.
A few months ago, a dear friend posted a video of a beautiful European scenescape. But it came with snippets of an argument. I privately messaged her about the not-so-pleasant recorded conversation. She appreciated it and took down the video. I know she would do the same for me if the situation were reversed.
Gratitude provides enhanced empathy.
The prophet Elisha’s travel to Shunem introduced him to a wealthy Shunamite couple. The woman extended an invitation to him and his servant Gehazi to dine at their home every time they were in town. Not long after, the woman discussed with her husband the idea of building a studio for Elisha’s use. And one time Elisha was enjoying the couple’s hospitality, he asked, “See, you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you?” (2 Kings 4:13, ESV). The woman revealed her heart’s desire—to have a son.
Elisha’s word came to pass, and the Shunamite bore a son. But when he was a little older, the child died. And she went to Elisha to tell him about her grief and bitterness over losing her precious child. With instructions from Gehazi, he went ahead to the Shunamite’s home and did what he was told to do with the dead.
When Elisha went to the Shunamite woman’s home, he saw the child on his bed. “So he went in and shut the door behind the two of them and prayed to the Lord” (v. 33). He did other things that no medical professional would do until the “child became warm… sneezed seven times …and opened his eyes”—a miracle of life (vv 34-35). When the Shunamite woman came, “she fell at his feet, bowing to the ground. Then she picked up her son and went out” (v.37).
Elisha’s gratitude for the Shunamite woman’s welcome and attentive care of his needs blessed her with a gift of a son twice, if we think about it. The first time was the birth; the second time was his resurrection. In her grief-stricken state, she had only cutting remarks for Elisha. Remembering what the woman had done for him throughout his travels back and forth, Elisha did not minimize her emotions; he had compassion on her and told his servant instead to “leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress” (v.27).
Years ago, I met a couple while on a tour. I hit it off with Linda, and we stayed in touch. Linda invited me to Colorado, where I arrived during her time of marital struggle, for a visit. I was grateful that the Lord allowed me to be the friend she needed at a crucial time in her life, having gone through the same experience myself.
Gratitude brings mindfulness.
Being compassionate also means learning to be mindful. You are more aware of your words and actions, especially in relation to others. A person with a grateful heart is not out there looking to put down or destroy others.
When Saul was on the road to Damascus for his mission to kill the followers of Christ, he had a dramatic encounter that forever changed his life. And from this, he received his new job responsibility from Jesus Himself—to carry the Good News of salvation to the Gentiles and Jews. His name became synonymous with heartfelt gratefulness for being a chosen servant of Christ, not a leader of His Church.
First, Paul recognized and acknowledged the Lordship of Christ, along with the precious gift of his new life in Christ. He knew he had “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which [he] was called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-2, ESV). This is the same reminder we have today on how to conduct ourselves as new creations of Christ.
Second, there is joy in our affliction as believers, for Jesus Himself is our example of a persecuted follower. “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, ESV). We must be intentional in finding the silver lining and remembering that Jesus is always with us, especially in life's most challenging moments. “We do not lose heart” (v.1). Let’s keep our eyes on “the prize of the upward call of God” (Philippians 3:14, ESV).
My husband Ken has been going through a difficult patch with someone for over two years now. I see him constantly checking his anger. He is laser-focused on the light at the end, gratefully rejoicing that Jesus is guarding his “heart and mind” (Philippians 4:7, ESV).
Gratitude produces abundant living.
One of the popular Thanksgiving images is the “horn of plenty”, with a cascading harvest of fruits and vegetables spilling over. It is said to symbolize physical and spiritual prosperity.
This reminds me of the rich young ruler who asked Jesus about eternal life and how he could have it. When Jesus told him to sell everything he owned and give to the needy in exchange for treasure in heaven—spiritual prosperity-he went away sad and empty-handed. He could not let go of his earthly possessions to follow Christ. (Read Luke 18:18-23.)
The parable of the rich fool speaks of the same tight fist holding on to the abundance of his material possessions. In his prosperity, he planned to enlarge his barns for storage and to sit on his wealth, enjoying it without a care for enriching his relationship with God. (Read Luke 12:13-21.)
For believers in Christ, anxiety about our physical life is the last thing He wants for us. There is joy in our salvation that should produce a dependence on God for our daily needs. Jesus reminds us that life is more than just our basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter. All these will be provided, just like God did for the Israelites in the wilderness—"manna and quail” just for the day. It is not about nonstop toiling to “lay up for [ourselves] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19, ESV).
Gratitude for the grace God showed us, leading to salvation, is about receiving the fullness of life He intended for us to have, even on earth. Paul spoke of the contentment that can be obtained whether in want or in plenty. He attributed this contentment to the unlimited supply of strength from God. Paul was grateful for the partnership of the Philippian church, which sent him gifts time and again—a result of God moving in the hearts of believers to provide for his needs.
Today, we are walking alongside a friend who is going through serious medical issues. We do our best to share whatever we can to help meet some of their financial needs. And God always surprises us because the gift arrives at the right time.
What are you grateful for today? A friendship? An unexpected financial gift? New life in Christ? Whatever it is, think of what gratefulness means to you and how you can best practice it.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/AaronAmat
Luisa Collopy is an author, speaker and a women’s Bible study teacher. She also produces Mula sa Puso (From the Heart) in Tagalog (her heart language), released on FEBC Philippines stations. Luisa loves spending time with her family over meals and karaoke!
