For me, gratitude is about making it known; for it to be gratitude, it must be expressed. Gratitude has no power when it’s kept in our hearts; it must be shown.
How many times have we done something for someone? Weeks later, we’re still thinking, “That person did not say anything; they did not show any signs of appreciation.” I know… for us to show kindness, we should not be driven by a need for a “thank you.” However, there are times that gratitude has to be a fruit. When we are in the position of gratitude, it protects us from the trap of comparison, discontentment and complaining. As a mom, it makes me smile when I give my 2-year-old a plate of pancakes and he responds, “Saaaank You, Mama.” See, he was taught to say thank you. His gestures accompany his words. He claps and jumps up and down. I have good news for you: you can teach yourself to be grateful. Gratitude can be taught.
Sometimes you must take inventory and thinking back in your life is the start. Just a few months ago, I sent a WhatsApp message to two ladies, who showed me so much kindness. Their kindness had so much impact at that time and still does to this day. I sent them a message to say, “Thank you.” I asked them to continue to do the same for other people. When someone appreciates your actions, it encourages you to keep planting those seeds. I’ve met people who have vouched to never show kindness to others, simply because someone did not reciprocate gratitude. When someone has a thankful attitude, it makes us willing to keep on sowing into people’s lives.
For me, gratitude is twofold. We show gratitude to God and to our brothers and sisters around us. We should show God our gratitude, but God knows that human beings tend to forget His wonderous deeds. “But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren (Deuteronomy 4:9; NLT). Guess what? That’s exactly what happened: the children of Israel forgot God and what He did for them. Gratitude can only thrive in the hearts of those who DO NOT FORGET.
Remember the story of the 10 lepers? They all experienced healing but only one came back to express his gratitude. When he saw his skin as soft as a baby’s, he burned to go back to the Master to say, “Thank you.” When he found Jesus, he fell down at his feet and thanked him over and over, saying to him, “You are the Messiah.” This man was a Samaritan (Luke 17:16; TPT). See, he was not too quick to forget. The other nine were probably beaming in excitement and eager to reunite with their loved ones, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But excitement does not equal gratitude. I’ll be honest: there have been many times I have forgotten, forgotten battles God fought for me, that it was He who opened doors for me and made provision.
Sometimes gratitude means making a conscious decision to search traces of God’s mercy and faithfulness in our lives. I know that’s what helps me to remain in that posture. John the Baptist, when he was arrested, sent his disciples to go ask Jesus if he really was the Messiah: The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Luke 7:18-19; NLT) Yet, he was the one who saw heaven open; he heard God’s voice say, “This is my dear son in whom I’m well pleased.” What an experience! He saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove and rest on Jesus. In fact, for some time, he prophesied about the coming Savior. But because of the pressure he was feeling, he quickly forgot all of that and started questioning God’s word. Even those who know God and His presence can forget. Guard your heart. Be grateful for the small and big wins that God brings you.
Take a notebook and make a list of what God did yesterday. Express your gratitude to Him; let it be your offering. Express your gratitude to God. It may be something that directly concerns you, a close family member or even a close friend. Remember not to forget.
Women of Reverence welcomes guest blogger Delaree Spear
Delaree “Spear” Mkhonto is a blogger and editor for a few blogs. She is passionate about uplifting women to reach maturity in Christ and has been doing so from an early age. She is a lover and teacher of God’s Word. When she’s not burning the midnight oil writing, she is working side by side with her husband, Amu, as the Co-Pastor of Faith Church, located on the South side of Johannesburg. Delaree is attentive to God’s voice and that is evident in her work. They have been blessed with a son whom they’ve named Caleb. He is a miracle baby and every day he continues to be a reminder of God’s faithfulness to them.