Jane, the real estate agent who sold our home and helped us buy another for the past seven years, delivered apple pies to all of her clients every Thanksgiving as a thank you. In between your annual apple pie deliveries, each month you’ll receive a personalized notecard or informative flyer worth reading. This November’s theme was “The Power of Gratitude” and we outlined the benefits of expressing gratitude. Here is what I chose.
The first book of Samuel tells of the famous battle between David and Goliath. Chapter 17 ends with Abner, King Saul’s commander-in-chief, presenting the heads of David and Goliath to the king. The king’s son Jonathan was also with them. After David introduces himself as the son of Jesse, the next chapter begins, “As soon as he had finished speaking with Saul, Jonathan’s soul was joined to David’s, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul” (v.1, ESV).
The death of the Philistine champion meant the end of the constant raids in which Jonathan had to fight the king and his army. Jonathan can finally take some time off and rest. So, “Jonathan took off his outer garment and gave it to David, including his armor, sword, bow, and belt” (verse 4). This was Jonathan’s way of showing his gratitude and favor to David by bequeathing his armor. And David’s acceptance confirmed their brotherhood and forever cemented their well-known relationship.
Now, Saul’s jealousy of David’s war success caused serious problems for David. But David must be deeply grateful for his bond with Jonathan, as his friend’s timely warning saved his life. 19:2-3: “My father Saul is trying to kill you. So be careful in the morning. Stay in secret places and hide yourself. And I will go out and stand by your father in the field where you are, and I will tell my father about you. And if I know anything, I will tell you” (19:2-3). Jonathan may have been Saul’s son, but his close relationship with David brought wisdom to his decisions.
A few months ago, a dear friend posted a video of beautiful European scenery. However, it contained fragments of discussion. I privately messaged her about the not-so-pleasant recording of the conversation. She liked it and deleted the video. I know she would do the same to me if the situation were reversed.
Gratitude increases empathy.
On a trip to Shunem, the prophet Elisha was introduced to a wealthy Shunammite couple. The woman invited him and her servant Gehazi to dine at her home every time they came to town. Shortly thereafter, the woman and her husband discussed building a studio for Elisha to use. And one day, as Elisha was enjoying the couple’s hospitality, he asked, “Look, after all you have done for us, what can you do for us?” (2 Kings 4:13, ESV). The woman revealed her heart’s desire to have a son.
Elisha’s words came true, and the Shunamite gave birth to a son. But when he was a little older, the child died. Then she went to Elisha and expressed her sadness and pain over losing her precious child. Upon receiving instructions from Gehazi, he went first to the Shunamite house and did what he was told to do with the dead.
When Elisha went to the house of a Shunammite woman, he saw a child in her bed. “So he went in, shut the door behind them, and prayed to the Lord” (verse 33). He also did other things that a medical professional would not do, until “the child became warm… sneezed seven times… and opened his eyes.” This is the miracle of life (verses 34-35). When the Shunamite woman arrived, “she fell down at his feet and bowed her head to the earth. Then she took up her son and went out” (v. 37).
Thinking about it, Elisha was twice blessed with the gift of a son, grateful for the Shunammite woman’s welcome and thoughtful attention to his needs. The first time was a birth. The second time was his resurrection. Grief-stricken, she could only say harsh things to Elisha. Elisha remembered what the woman had done for him during the trip and did not discount his feelings. He took pity on her and instead told his servant, “Leave her alone, for she is in great pain” (v. 27).
Years ago, I met a couple while on tour. I hit it off with Linda and we kept in touch. Linda invited me to Colorado. Colorado is the place she visited when her husband was having a fight. I went through the same experience, so I was grateful that the Lord had allowed me to be the friend she needed at such a critical time in her life.
Gratitude brings mindfulness.
Being compassionate also means learning to be compassionate. You become more consciously aware of your words and actions, especially in your relationships with others. People who have a grateful heart are not trying to degrade or destroy others.
Saul was on his way to Damascus on a mission to kill the followers of Christ when he had a dramatic encounter that changed his life forever. And from this he received from Jesus himself the responsibility of a new task: to preach the gospel of salvation to Gentiles and Jews. His name became synonymous with heartfelt gratitude for being not just a leader in Christ’s church, but a chosen servant of Christ.
First, Paul recognized and acknowledged the Lordship of Christ and the precious gift of new life in Christ. He knew that we must “live our lives worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, patiently bearing with one another in love, and striving diligently to maintain the unity of the Spirit in bonds of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-2, ESV). This is the same reminder of how we should act as new creatures of Christ today.
Second, there is joy even in our suffering as believers because Jesus himself is an example for his persecuted followers. “We will be afflicted in every way, but we will not be crushed; we will be perplexed, but we will not be driven to despair; we will be persecuted, but we will not be forsaken; we will be struck, but we will not be destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, ESV). We must intentionally look for signs of hope and remember that Jesus is always with us, especially in the most difficult moments of life. “We will not faint” (verse 1). Let us fix our eyes on the “prize of God’s upward call” (Philippians 3:14, ESV).
My husband Ken has been going through a difficult time with someone for over two years now. I see him constantly checking his anger. He finally laser-focuses the light and rejoices in gratitude that Jesus is guarding his “heart and mind” (Philippians 4:7, ESV).
A feeling of gratitude creates a rich life.
One of the popular images of Thanksgiving is the “horn of plenty,” where fruits and vegetables are harvested and spill over in a waterfall. It is said to symbolize material and spiritual prosperity.
This reminds me of the wealthy young ruler who asked Jesus about eternal life and how he could obtain it. When Jesus told him to sell everything he owned and give it to the poor in exchange for the treasure of heaven, spiritual prosperity, he left sad and empty-handed. He could not give up his earthly possessions to follow Christ. (Read Luke 18:18-23.)
The parable of the rich fool speaks of the same fist that tightly grips his rich material possessions. In his prosperity, he expanded his barn for storage and planned to enjoy his wealth without worrying about enriching his relationship with God. (Read Luke 12:13-21.)
For believers in Christ, anxiety about our physical life is the last thing Christ wants for us. There should be joy in our salvation and we should learn to depend on God for our daily needs. Jesus reminds us that life is more than just the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter. All of this will be given “manna and quails” for that day only, just as God provided the Israelites in the wilderness. It is not about working tirelessly to “save up treasure (for ourselves) on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19, ESV).
Gratitude for the saving grace that God has shown us means receiving the fullness of life that God intended to give us, even on earth. Paul talked about the satisfaction that can be found in both lack and abundance. He attributed this satisfaction to the infinite supply of power from God. Paul was grateful for his partnership with the church at Philippi. The Church of Philippi sent him gifts many times. This is the result of God moving in the believer’s heart to meet his needs.
Today we are walking with a friend who has a serious medical problem. We do our best to share what we can to meet some of their financial needs. And God always surprises us because His gifts arrive at the right time.
What are you grateful for today? friendship? An unexpected financial gift? A new life in Christ? Whatever it is, think about what gratitude means to you and how best to put it into practice.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/AaronAmat
Louisa Collopy is an author, speaker, and women’s Bible study teacher. She also produced “Mula sa Puso (From the Heart)” in Tagalog (the language of her heart), which was released on the FEBC Philippine station. Luisa loves spending time with her family, eating and doing karaoke.
