The Power of Gratitude

​

People have discovered the power of gratitude in life. Being grateful for what we have makes us appreciate and keep was most valuable to us. Some have learned the hard way how valuable someone or something was only once they lost it! It's true, you lose what you don't value. 

 

The attitude of gratitude keeps our soul free and our mind clear. We focus on what is precious and important. With all the different challenges we are facing, having a free soul (positive emotions) and a clear mind (ability for strategic thinking and problem solving) is vital for a successful and fulfilled life. Gratitude is an anti-dote to negativity, hopelessness and resentment. We focus on what we have instead of being resentful regarding what we don't have or jealous of what others have. The grateful person is not only the optimist who sees the cup half full (instead of the pessimist who sees it half empty), the grateful person knows that the cup can be refilled. The grateful believer knows that with God's blessing, the cup overflows! (Psalm 23).

​

Paul instructed the believers to 'give thanks,' and to do so 'in everything'; and that this attitude of gratitude is 'God's will' for us! (1 Thessalonians 5:18) God's will is always what's best for us. We can trust Him that obeying His commandments is good for us and will work in real life (Psalm 19:7-14). In the storms and tragedies of life, doing what Jesus taught us will empower us with wisdom to stand and not collapse (Matthew 7:24-27). As we are strong in the Lord and the power of His might, we can do everything to stand in the trials of life (Ephesians 6:10-13). To live in God's will is to live according to God's Word and follows God's ways. It works!

​

The attitude of gratitude as a lifestyle is powerful. When Paul pointed to the importance of constant gratitude no matter what we might be facing (1 Thessalonians 5:18), it came with a number of other instructions. First of all, it starts with an appreciation for those who taught us and those who look out for our well-being (v 12). Many today think they can do it all alone; they are quick to forget what others have done for them. We need to esteem those who helped and supported us 'very highly' (v 13a). This kind of gratitude won't make us forget where we came from. We can look back and thank God for all the progress we have made and what has become of us. A lack of gratitude will make people resentful, looking how much it cost them to get where they are. Such an attitude will make them less likely help others who are in the position they used to be in. It is sad to see people not helping others after they have been helped. Gratitude and the humility of a grateful attitude will make sure we not only remain thankful towards those who helped and supported us, it will also empower us to do for others what others have done for us. The best 'return on investment' for those who helped and supported us, is us helping and supporting others. 

​

Paul wants us to live in peace with one another (v 13b). Peace is vital for development and progress, both on a personal and corporate or national level. When we are humble and peaceful we can admonish the unruly in a spirit of brotherhood and kindness, encourage the fainthearted with humility, and not with judgmental negativity, and help the weak in a patient manner (v 14). The power of patience goes hand in glove with the power of gratitude. Humility helps us to be patient as others have been patient with us. Sometimes it takes just a little bit more, giving someone one more chance, believing in someone a little bit longer when all others have already given up. Being grateful and peaceful leaves no room for bitterness and revenge, but rather empowers us to seek what is good for others (v 15). This attitude paves the way for a joyful life: 'Rejoice always' (v 16).​​​

​

​​