All across the United States, millions of families just celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday, yet true thankfulness / gratefulness is something that seems to be lacking in our world today. Real thanksgiving shouldn’t just relegated to a holiday celebrated the last Thursday of November each year. It is a quality that we should see to cultivate in our hearts and homes every day of the year!!
We know the Bible foretold this unfortunate demise of thankfulness in our society …
In 2 Timothy 3:1-2 :
[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy…
As we delve into this topic, let’s take a moment and look at this question:
What’s the difference between
being grateful and being thankful?
The Oxford Dictionary defines the word thankful as “pleased and relieved.” Both of those are great feelings. ... The Oxford Dictionary defines the word grateful as “showing an appreciation of kindness.”
This is where the difference lies; being thankful is a feeling, and being grateful is an action. In other words, gratefulness is an outward expression of an inward feeling of thankfulness.
The Cambridge dictionary defines gratitude as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”
Appreciation is “recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something.”
Thankfulness means “conscious of benefit received, expressive of thanks, well pleased.”
Recognition is defined as “appreciation or acclaim for an achievement, service, or ability.”
By analyzing these definitions, we can see that the meanings overlap on some points. We understand from the meanings that one feeling leads to the other, starting with the emotion of thankfulness. That is, thankfulness leads to gratitude, feeling grateful results in appreciation and recognition arises from appreciation.
So, what is the difference is between being grateful and thankful? The two words are often used interchangeably when people express their appreciation. However, although they’re considered synonyms for showing your appreciation for something or someone, there is indeed a difference between these two words.
Thankfulness is a character trait. Being a thankful person is something you either are or you aren't. Have you ever done something for someone and while they did say "thank you" in word, you could tell by their actions that they did NOT really appreciate what you did? That's what I am trying to describe here. Thankfulness is something that springs up from down inside of person. On the flip side, I also had done just something small (and seemingly insignificant) for somebody and they just went overboard with their thanks and appreciation. Those are the kind of people that are truly thankful. It is just part of who they ARE! (I have found myself on both sides of the equation at times! But I am striving to cultivate a thankful spirit in both my heart and my home!)
Like I said earlier, Gratitude is that outward manifestation of inward thankfulness. In a society of selfishness and self-awareness, we see both the expression of gratitude and the spirit of thankfulness as waning attributes. However, as children of God, it is high time that we take back these wonderful traits that God Himself desires of His people.
The attitude of entitlement, this "give me", "I deserve it", instant gratification mentality has really caused our society to become less grateful. We expect to be treated a certain way. We feel like we should be given more rights. We feel like everyone should cater to us! We feel like if someone disagrees with our ideas/opinions/theology then they are the ones in the wrong. Look around, this world is full of angry, combative people. Every day on the news, you hear story after story of this "Karen" or that "Karen" throwing an adult size tantrum because they simply didn't like something or they didn't get their way.
Not to burst any bubbles, but the truth is we really don't deserve anything in this life. WE ALL deserved HELL! The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 --ALL have sinned and come short of the Glory of GOD! Sin separated us from God. Yet, God, in His all-compassionate mercy, didn't just leave us there! Through the shed blood of Jesus, His Son, He paved a way to restore fellowship with man. That fact alone should make our hearts, as believers, swell with thankfulness. WOW! THE God of all Glory cared enough and loved me enough to cause His only Begotten Son to die for MY SINS!! That is truly amazing when you take the time to ponder that! God sure didn't get much when He got me, but oh am I so thankful that He had mercy and He extended His Salvation to this ol' soul!!
What this world is seeking for is a purpose and a meaning to life. Some folks do recognize (and scientific studies have showed) that a grateful heart and a thankful attitude will improve your life. (Imagine that... God does know what is best!) Many books have been written on the subject. There are gratitude journals and other resources to "cultivate a grateful spirit" on the market today. And while I understand and appreciate those efforts, may I remind you that the only way to develop a truly thankful spirit (and in turn, to produce grateful actions) is by doing things God's way!
Apostle Paul wrote much on this subject. He presents thankfulness as one of the most important traits of a believer, not as an optional, “take it or leave it” attribute. Look at the life of Paul himself! He was forever found in challenging (and often dangerous, not to mention discouraging) circumstances, yet all throughout his writings, we found him continually giving thanks! He trained himself to do this. Being thankful (especially when there really seems to be little to be thankful for) is a choice. You can give in to the outward circumstances and act accordingly, or you can CHOOSE to be THANKFUL!!
How did Paul do this? And how can we follow HIS example and foster thankfulness in our own lives?
We must keep our eyes fixed on JESUS and eternity! (NOT fixed on our circumstances, nor on people around us!) 2 Corinthians 4:18 tells us --While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
We must realize God has a bigger plan for man (Spoiler alert: It's not just to make us happy!). 1 Timothy 2:4 tells us that God desires that ... all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. That is God's purpose for us--that we all be saved and understand HIS TRUTH!
We must control our thoughts and steer them toward good things. (YOU become what you think. That's why negative or bad thoughts are so detrimental to our lives!) Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
We must constantly remind ourselves of the ways that God has already proven Himself faithful! Philippians 1:6: Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
We must recognize that God is the reason behind everything good in life!
James 1:17 tells us that--Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh
down from the Father of lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of
turning.
We must realize we are WHO we are (and where we are today) is simply because of GOD alone--Not of our own merit!
1 Corinthians 15:10 - But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Ephesians 2:9--Not of works, lest any man should boast.
We must be quick to give thanks to God!
Colossians 4:2 - Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Psalms 118:24 - This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Colossians 3:17 - And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Psalms 136:1 - O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Colossians 3:15 - And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Colossians 3:15-20 - And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Psalms 107:1 - O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalms 50:23 - Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.
Ephesians 5:20 - Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
We must look for opportunities to be thankful for others! Believe or not, we NEED each other! When we start becoming grateful for the people that God has placed in our lives, we will see the unity of the Spirit strengthened and relationships will flourish. It is when we become unthankful in our hearts that we get disgruntled and aggravated with those around us. When you are thankful "for" people, it is a lot harder to stay upset with them. This is even relevant in the home. If you are truly thankful for your spouse, you won't be constantly arguing and bickering. It is when we allow unthankfulness (and its little sidekick, selfishness) to creep in that we begin to experience turmoil and conflicts.
Ephesians 1:16 - Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
1 Corinthians 1:4 - I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
1 Peter 2:17 - Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. ::3Honour the king.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 - We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth.
Always remember, God is looking for (and He rewards!) a thankful heart!!
Remember the story of the 10 lepers? All were extremely happy after being healed by Jesus! But only one was truly thankful! Because he was thankful, it affected his actions! I'm sure, like the other nine, he too had family that he longed to see and tell them the wonderful news of his miraculous healing, but this man recognized more than the gift of healing he had been given---HE RECOGNIZED THE GIVER! He wanted Jesus to know just how much he appreciated what He had done for him. Jesus had given him back his life! He had suspended a death sentence on this man! This man had thankfulness deep inside and thus, once healed, gratitude sprang into action. Before doing anything else, He had to let Jesus know just how much this meant to him! That was the actions of a truly thankful man!
Luke 17:11-19 -And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Studying this passage has inspired me to take thankfulness more seriously. I want to become more conscientious of God’s blessings in and around me; I want thankfulness to become a natural response. The best way I've found to make an attitude adjustment personally is by studying Scriptures about who God is, what He requires of His people, what He has done for us, and by prayerfully meditating on these things.
God’s Word has the power to change our hearts, so choosing to study His Word is a wise step to take when we are trying to become more thankful. One good way to do this is to personalize the scriptures. For example, if you read about God’s provision, think of an instance when He provided for you. Maybe even write down the situation and how you saw God work. (If you try this) When you've finished going through the verses you are studying, you will have compiled a wonderful list of things to thank God for. Chances are you will also feel more like expressing gratitude. God will be glorified and you’ll be cultivating an "attitude of gratitude".
This holiday season, may I encourage "US" to seek to become more thankful. If we stop to reminisce about how good God (and even people!) has been to us, it will develop in us a spirit of thankfulness which will result in action---gratefulness in our everyday lives.
From my heart to yours,
-Tiphanie ❤️
More Verses -- Thankfulness
Psalm 103:1-5
Isaiah 41:10
Psalm 8:4-6
Zephaniah 3:17
Isaiah 43:19
Romans 5:6-8 Romans 8:28-29
Colossians 1:12-13
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