Give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:18
There’s something especially distasteful and repulsive about the sin of ingratitude when we see it in others—especially when we’re the ones whose generosity or sacrifice has gone unrecognized. Jesus, for example, had every reason to be annoyed at those who had received everything they ever wanted from Him yet couldn’t be bothered to say thank you!
And yet how often do we neglect to return thanks—while being oblivious to our ingratitude? Gradually, subtly, we become desensitized as layers of entitlement and resentment wrap themselves around our hearts, until thankfulness is all but gone from our lives and lips.
It isn’t hard for it to happen . . . even in the most precious of relationships.
Try this: confront ingratitude and cultivate a thankful spirit in your closest relationship. For the next month, purpose not to say anything negative about your loved one—not to them nor to anyone else about them! Then express at least one thing you appreciate about your loved one. Say it to them and to someone else.
------------------
Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy
©2009 Revived Hearts Foundation
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
Take this challenge and ask God to use it to cultivate a thankful spirit in your life.