Always Giving Thanks with Gratitude

Main Point:  We are to give thanks to God for all His blessings no matter the circumstances. It should always be with a grateful heart. We must do it with praise and a joyous heart. This is one of the most distinctive marks, of the believer in Jesus Christ.
 
Opening Scripture:  Psalm 100 NIV.  God wants us to shout for joy and worship him with gladness. He is the One who made us and we are His people. Give thanks to Him and praise his Holy Name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever.
Verse two - tells us to come before him with joyful songs.
Verse three - shows us that through songs we recall that God created us.
Verse five - instructs us to sing about his love and faithfulness.
 
Ephesians 5:19-20 NIV. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 

• We should always be giving thanks to God for everything---no matter the circumstances.
• We must not allow a spirit of ingratitude to harden our heart and chill our relationship with God and with others.
  • Nothing turns us into bitter, selfish, dissatisfied people more quickly than an ungrateful heart.

 
Luke 17:11-19 NIV. Ten lepers approach Jesus outside a village loudly pleading with Him to heal them. In an instant, He healed them all too perfect health, but only one came back and thanked Him.
 

• Ingratitude is a sin, just as surely as is lying, stealing, immorality, or any other sin condemned by the Bible.
  • We should thank God for the material blessings He gives us.
  • We should thank God for the people in our lives.
  • We should thank God in the midst of trials and persecutions.
  • We should thank God for His salvation in Jesus Christ.
  • We should thank God for His presence and power in our lives.

Closing Thoughts
In our busy and chaotic lives we often fail to notice all the things we that we should be grateful for.

Gratitude opens our hearts and reminds us that our lives are not solitary, but are a part of a larger plan. Truly, this is a part of being spiritual souls and part of a greater love in an increasingly material world.

So take time to give thanks for being alive and part of this amazing experience we call life with our risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

Closing Scripture: Psalm 50:23 NLT “But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”