Gratitude
It is defined as "the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful" and "the state of being grateful; thankfulness."
Gratitude is more than mere thankfulness. Undoubtedly, it is important to be thankful, but we ought to strive to ensure that "gratitude" is more than a mere emotional state. Rather, it should become a "state of being" or "quality." In other words, gratitude should become an aspect of one's personality. As Christians, gratitude should be one aspect of "who we are."
The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratus, which literally means "thankful, pleasing." It would seem, then, that by making gratitude an aspect of one's personality, then he or she is acting in a manner that is pleasing to God.
In accords with this understanding, perhaps by making gratitude an aspect of who we are, we are in essence carrying out Paul's admonition to continually be thankful. See 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:17-20.
Some good Scriptural examples of gratitude include Colossians 3:15-17, Psalm 30:11-12, and, when time permits, read David's psalm of thanks as found in 1 Chronicles 16:7-36.
Some quotes worth pondering considering this word:
"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." -- G. K. Chesterton
"Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts."
-- Henri Frederic Amiel
"I am most thankful to Almighty Providence for mercies received, and determined still to press the case into public notice as a token of gratitude."
-- William Banting
"Joy is the simplest form of gratitude." -- Karl Barth
"When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude." -- G. K. Chesterton
"Gratitude is a duty which ought to be paid, but which none have a right to expect."
-- Jean Jacques Rousseau
"Christ himself wrote nothing, but furnished endless material for books and songs of gratitude and praise." -- Philip Schaff
It is defined as "the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful" and "the state of being grateful; thankfulness."
Gratitude is more than mere thankfulness. Undoubtedly, it is important to be thankful, but we ought to strive to ensure that "gratitude" is more than a mere emotional state. Rather, it should become a "state of being" or "quality." In other words, gratitude should become an aspect of one's personality. As Christians, gratitude should be one aspect of "who we are."
The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratus, which literally means "thankful, pleasing." It would seem, then, that by making gratitude an aspect of one's personality, then he or she is acting in a manner that is pleasing to God.
In accords with this understanding, perhaps by making gratitude an aspect of who we are, we are in essence carrying out Paul's admonition to continually be thankful. See 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:17-20.
Some good Scriptural examples of gratitude include Colossians 3:15-17, Psalm 30:11-12, and, when time permits, read David's psalm of thanks as found in 1 Chronicles 16:7-36.
Some quotes worth pondering considering this word:
"I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder." -- G. K. Chesterton
"Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts."
-- Henri Frederic Amiel
"I am most thankful to Almighty Providence for mercies received, and determined still to press the case into public notice as a token of gratitude."
-- William Banting
"Joy is the simplest form of gratitude." -- Karl Barth
"When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude." -- G. K. Chesterton
"Gratitude is a duty which ought to be paid, but which none have a right to expect."
-- Jean Jacques Rousseau
"Christ himself wrote nothing, but furnished endless material for books and songs of gratitude and praise." -- Philip Schaff
Oh, and by the way, a cheesy dance doesn't quite capture it, but it might be worth trying:
Soli Deo Gloria
1 comment:
The Gratitude Dance! Ha!
Ecclesiastes 3:4 -- A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.
Dancing must be important!
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