The Attitude of Gratitude

Freely you have received: freely give. Matthew 10:8

The Bible teaches sowing in order to reap, or giving for a desired result. In salvation, you gave your heart to Jesus expecting something in return – eternal life, and He didn’t disappoint you. It also says about Jesus, “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross despising shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 He looked beyond the cross to the throne that was his reward.

But there is another way of looking at it. Today, instead of giving to get, why don’t we give because of what we already received? If God never did one more thing for you, it would take eternity to praise Him for the love he has already shown us.

Do you remember what your life was like before you met Jesus? Those habits, the awful emptiness you could never fill? Where would you be today without Jesus?

Let’s also be thankful for all those things we take for granted – our health, our freedom, family, friends and a great church family!

There’s a story of 10 lepers: they all were healed but only one returned to Jesus to give Him thanks for their healing. What happened to the other nine?

It’s easy to forget how blessed we are. Look around and begin to give thanks for a glass of clean water – all the little things that we take for granted.

The Bible says, in everything give thanks. Today I am thankful to God for His love and care, for my beautiful wife Pat, who stands with me and supports me, for a great family and a wonderful church family. I am thankful for Jesus, who washed my sins away and gives me new life free from condemnation. I am thankful for the Holy Spirit in my life and I could go on and on. All of these blessings are a result of a loving and caring God.

God is good and life is good. Whatever your circumstance, be thankful – it will change everything.

Pastor Jim Turner