Cultivating GratitudeSample

Day 3: Gratitude Explored

Sometimes, we think we are expressing gratitude, but we are actually judging someone’s performance. “I’m really proud of you”; “You did a good job”; or “Your singing was right on key” are all appropriate if you are talking to an employee or someone you try to encourage, when your position gives you the occasion to evaluate them. But complimenting others for their performance is not necessarily the same as expressing gratitude. 

Gratitude comes from the depth of your being, in thankfulness and joy at how someone or something affects you. And gratitude always lifts up the recipient and brightens their spirit. To hear someone tell you “I’m so grateful for you!” is uplifting, freeing and restorative. 

In John 6:68, when so many were leaving Jesus because they thought His ways and teaching were too hard for them, Simon Peter said “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”. Peter didn’t understand everything Jesus said, either, but he expressed gratitude for His Lordship. He knew that no one else had ever loved him like Jesus did, and he had never heard life-changing words from anyone else like that before. Gratitude always adds joy to both the giver and the receiver.

Why do we do the things we do, and who do we do them for? Are our comments to others shaded by judgment? To truly express gratitude toward someone, speak to their heart and lift them up with words of love and appreciation for who they are. 

Think about someone in your life toward whom you would truly like to show gratitude. Think about how you might present your own words. You may be surprised to realize that a lot of our conversation is peppered with words relating to performance, and there are fewer words that may simply express gratefulness. Start with the Lord, and allow Him to lead you to someone whom He would like you to encourage with some words of gratitude today.