CENTRAL THOUGHT
The believer is called to a life of gratitude.
HYMN: ROCK OF AGES CLEFT FOR ME.
TEXT: Ps. 100, Ps. 107:1-22, 2 Cor. 9:7-15
INTRODUCTION
Gratitude is showing appreciation or the act of giving thanks. For the believer, an expression of gratitude unto the Lord ought to be a lifestyle or a life-long attitude which should not be restricted to a season, time of the year, or when the going is good; but should go on in spite of external conditions. Such expression of gratitude manifests itself in a number of ways; sacrificial giving of one’s talents, time, personal effect etc. to the service of God are some of these ways. Also, cheerful assistance to the poor and less privileged . Generous giving of money through free- will offerings and paying of vows are evidences of gratitude.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
1.) To state the meaning of Gratitude
2.) To state the reasons for showing Gratitude.
3.) To enumerate the various ways Gratitude can be shown.
4.) To enumerate the benefits of Gratitude.
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1.) WHAT IS MEANT BY THE WORD “GRATITUDE”?
Luke 17:12-19
Great Illustrated Dictionary defines gratitude as “an appreciative awareness and thankfulness, as for kindness shown or gift received”. So gratitude is an expression of our feelings, showing that we value a kindness, or benefit received. It is also showing appreciation. It is a sincere expression of a heart that is appreciative to the Lord’s doing. According to the reference, Ten lepers were healed but only one returned to show appreciation to the Lord. Also, the scriptures give us the understanding that gratitude is an act of thanksgiving which is a service to God, an act of worship that God desires of His children. (Ps. 95:2, 100:4,
and Ephesians 5:2).
Q2.) WHY SHOULD WE SHOW GRATITUDE TO THE LORD?
GEN. 24:48, DAN. 2:20-22, 2 COR. 4:15, AND PSALM 107:1-9
According to the scriptures in Gen. 24:48, the eldest servant of Abraham had his request made to the Lord (vs 12-14) hence, the statement of his in vs. 48. Again, the Lord deserves our thanks continually because of who He is to us. Showing gratitude should come as naturally as breathing to the believer, who has had a deep understanding of what God means to him or her. The Lord also deserves the thanks of believers because of the many things He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do. If we apply this, during the year, many of us were sick and got healed, hungry and the Lord fed, even committed sins and got forgiven, also lacked wisdom and enablement which God gave. Some people lost their lives, but the grace of God delivered us. The song writer says “we thank thee for creation; direction and grace given to see these things created”. Hence David the psalmist recognized this fact and composed many songs which expressed his gratitude unto the Lord. In one of such psalm, he enjoined us “ oh give thanks unto the Lord for He is good…” (Ps. 118:1). As David, the believer can list the faithfulness of God, His mercies and His love. The outcome of which will cause his soul to rise up with gratitude unto Him.
Q3.) HOW SHOULD WE SHOW GRATITUDE?
Ps. 26:7, Ps. 92:1, 11:9, Lev. 22:29, Am. 4:5, Mk. 12:42-44
Moment by moment we owe God gratitude, and one of the ways of showing gratitude is by thanksgiving. Thanksgiving becomes a service unto the Lord when it is offered continually. This can be done in various ways as shown in scriptures: giving of thanks and praises (Ps. 92:1) and testifying of what the Lord has done for the believer as well as putting confidence in the Lord. It could be shown with our
substances which must be done at our own freewill and according to our ability not by tasking. Everyone should cultivate the attitude of gratitude for the minutest favors and mercies.
Q4.) WHAT IS THE PLACE OF GRATITUDE IN WORSHIP?
Ps. 100, Mat. 6:9-13, John 11:41-43
A reflection on where the Lord has brought one from and where one is now, and where one prays to be should spur each believer into daily worship as an expression of gratitude unto the Lord.
Gratitude plays an important role in worship to our God. Firstly, it acknowledges the supremacy of God. It also helps to form a relationship between the believer and God; this enables one to worship God with sincere heart, and in return receive direction and grace.
Q5.) WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SHOWING GRATITUDE?
Luke 17:12-19, 2 Cor. 9:15, Phil. 4:6-7
A heart that is continually grateful to God is free from anxiety and worries, which take an unusually hard toll on our health. Expression of gratitude also prompts more of God’s blessings. It opens up more favor, kindness, and smoothens/enhances our relationship with the Lord. It brings completeness as was the case of the one leper that was cleansed amongst the ten, and who returned to give thanks.
From scripture we conclude that gratitude can do the following:-
- It has the power to set the believer free from murmuring and complaining in whatever situation like the case of Paul and Silas in prison.
- It will give a positive attitude to life, which raises the believer’s expectations which is the breeding ground for receiving.
- It has a way of releasing grace (2 Cor. 4:15).
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
As we look around, we are tempted to observe the few individuals who seem to have achieved more than ourselves, and that makes us down-cast and unable to give or express a sweet and sincere gratitude in form of praise, worship and thanksgiving. In the process of counting class-mates at school, colleagues at work, even your being denied your rights such as not being given promotion and contemporaries who seem to have achieved more than ourselves, we fall into jealousy, envy, and complaining, and we fail to see and truly appreciate God’s favor upon our lives which are not comparable to any material possessions an individual may have. For us as believers, thanksgiving is a show of gratitude for the many blessings of the Lord in our lives, such as; salvation, good health, peace of mind, joy of the soul, material blessings, protection, divine favor, and a host of others. As we make a sincere and honest inventory of God’s supernatural provision upon our lives in this year, we will get to discover God in a new way. A discovery that would prompt our hearts to give our lives, talents, time, monetary and material resources to Him as a mark of sincere gratitude. Have you sat back to make a detailed catalogue of God’s goodness upon your life? How does this enhance your gratitude?
MEMORY VERSE
Psalm 107:1
“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Monday: Gratitude exemplified.
Lk. 17:12-19
Tuesday: Why show gratitude to the Lord?
Ps. 107:1-9, Dan. 2:20-22
Wednesday: How to show gratitude.
Lev. 22:29, Ps. 11:9, 26:7, 92:1, Amos 4:5
Thursday: Gratitude is vital in worship.
Ps. 100:4, Mat. 6:9-13, John 11:41-43
Friday: Benefits of showing gratitude.
2 Cor. 9:15, Phil. 4:6-7
Saturday: The Lord our maker, please worship Him.
Ps. 95:1-7