Pastor Sam Crosby
San Saba’s First Baptist Church
November 26, 2019
Have you ever experienced this scenario? You offer a piece of candy to a child, and the parent then encourages him with the words, “Now what do you say?” And the child looks up at you with sticky fingers and a smile and says, “Can I have another piece?” Although it may be hard to say thank you, there are good reasons to live thankfully.
Thankfulness will increase your joy. Thankfulness grows from meditating on the blessings of life. The more I think about what God has done, the more gratitude stirs my heart. A joyful countenance reflects a thankful heart. Paul instructed believers, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18, NKJ).
Thankfulness will make you generous. Jesus instructed His disciples to heal the sick, raise the dead and drive out demons. He then said, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8, NIV). A thankful heart recognizes the blessings are from God and have flowed to me. The thankful heart also wants to be a channel through which the blessings flow to others. Recognizing that every good gift is from the Lord (James 1:17) will help you to more freely give to others.
Thankfulness will strengthen your relationships. The more thankful you are for what God has done for you, the more willing you become to extend that grace to others. Paul instructed, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32, NIV). People enjoy being around thankful people. Joy is contagious. Forbes magazine reported a study done by the University of Kentucky, which stated that grateful people are “…less likely to retaliate against others…and experience more sensitivity and empathy toward others…”
Thankfulness will empower your witness. Thankful people who are filled with joy have greater influence over a lost world to bring them to Christ. Peter stated, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (I Peter 3:15, NIV). People should see our hope, optimism and thankful attitude and ask us for the source. We, then, can point them to Jesus Christ. Being thankful will make you a more effective witness.
Thankfulness will improve your health. Solomon wrote, “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22, NLT). Researchers have discovered that grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier than other people. A study done by Applied Psychology revealed that gratitude improves your sleep. The research suggested that people who spend a few moments jotting down grateful thoughts before they go to bed would sleep better and longer. (“Benefits of Gratitude,” Forbes.com, November 23, 2014). To live a thankful life is to enjoy better health.
It is the will of God that you live with a thankful heart. Thankfulness not only honors the Lord, but also will bless your life and those around you. Choose today to focus on the blessings and continually express thanks to God.