Acquiring gratitude and having a heart of gratefulness can seem challenging in a world where personal gain often takes center stage. However, Jesus' teachings in Matthew 22:21, “Then he said to them, ‘So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’” offer profound insight into the true spirit of gratefulness. By embracing genuine gratitude, we unlock the potential for a fulfilling life, one that is overflowing with blessings, success, and personal growth. Embracing the power of gratefulness enhances every aspect of our existence, allowing us to appreciate all that life offers, both good and bad, where Christian Character Counts.
Jesus instructs us to give Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to give to God what belongs to God. This teaching can inspire feelings of gratefulness in our lives. Gratefulness is a state of mind where we sincerely appreciate our blessings, regardless of our circumstances, situations, or relationships. It is a way of being thankful and showing appreciation for what is valuable and meaningful to our reality. By practicing gratefulness, we can learn to appreciate the value and importance of things and people in our lives. This will increase well-being, happiness, and stronger relationships between individuals. Gratefulness is one of the great blessings of life. When we lack it, life can become complex and challenging. Without it, a better world and life are impossible to achieve and grow in (Romans 12:1-2).
If we do not make gratitude a habit in our lives, it can cause many problems that affect our well-being and relationships. These problems include unhappiness, dissatisfaction, strained relationships, self-centeredness, difficulty coping with challenging situations, increased stress and anxiety, diminished spiritual connection, and missed opportunities for growth and learning (Romans 6:23). However if we embrace gratefulness as a daily practice, we can counteract these challenges and lead a more healthy and fulfilling life that honors Christ's ways and glorifies God's truth and lifestyle.
We can take specific steps on our personal choice journey to increase gratefulness. Finding what works based on how God made you is crucial, and integrating these practices into your daily life is essential. As always, render awareness or mindfulness in your life towards God. Also, make a habit of expressing gratitude to those around you. Always serve with a heart of thankfulness and appreciation, and seek spiritual guidance to keep yourself graceful and truthful in the Lord. If you integrate the principle and practice of Christ, gratefulness is the reward!
To truly understand the value of being grateful like Christ, it's vital to start small and be patient with yourself. Just like a mustard seed, gratitude requires persistence and consistency. Celebrate every small step you take towards a more grateful life and embrace the transformative power of gratitude. You'll soon witness its healing impact on your well-being, relationships, and overall perspective on life. By aligning your perspective with God's, you'll experience an increase in blessings and goodness where life is good, not some of the time but always where Christian Character Counts.
With much gratitude,
~ Pastor Drake