The Heart of Faith: Why Gratitude Matters to Christians

May 3, 2024 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

Gratitude is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. Thankfulness plays an important role in a believer’s spiritual journey and relationship with God. Thanking God and acknowledging his blessings is an aspect of a faithful life. Looking through the Bible, we can see that gratitude is emphasised in different teachings, from the days of Moses to those of the apostles. The Bible says in Psalm 95:2 (KJV)

“2. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.” This passage teaches us to approach God not with demands but with a grateful heart. Worship him for his greatness and his mercy, which endure forever. Furthermore, gratitude has countless implications for a believer’s spiritual life. Below are some examples of the importance of gratitude.

The importance of a grateful heart

Acknowledgement of God’s Goodness:

A grateful heart will help you to realize and appreciate God’s goodness and faithfulness in life. It helps us remember that all blessings come from Him. The bible says in 1 Chronicles 16:34 (KJV): “34. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.” This passage reveals the essence of gratitude by acknowledging God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Also, the verse expresses that every blessing is a gift from God. Gratitude allows us to see the wonders of God in our lives. Also, it allows us to appreciate not just the gifts but also the source of the gifts, which is God. God’s love endures forever; therefore, as long as we love God in return, he will shower us with his blessings.

Increases contentment:

To truly appreciate God, we have to learn to be content. There is no such thing as perfection in life however there’s perfection in Christ. Gratitude allows us to see God’s blessings in our lives. When you achieve contentment, you focus on the wonders of God in your life rather than pondering what you lack.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) “6. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This Bible text emphasizes the importance of gratitude in achieving contentment. Anxiety leads to doubt, and doubt turns to ungratefulness if unchecked. Therefore, do not be anxious about anything; put all your concerns in prayer to God, and he will grant you peace that lasts forever.

Thankfulness induces humility.

A humble heart accepts that all good gifts come from God and not from personal efforts. God favors the humble because God himself is a humble entity. The Bible says in Proverbs 3:34–35 (NKJV) 34. Surely He scorns the scornful, but He gives grace to the humble. 35. The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools. This bible passage teaches us that “scorners” who have failed to acknowledge God will face the wrath of God.

Also Read: Seeds of Faith: Teaching Children Love, Faith, and Integrity

“Scorners” in this context are people who take pride in their accomplishments and fail to recognize God’s mercy in their lives. They feel, by their might, that they have accumulated their blessings. therefore, they will feel the anger of God, but the humble will bask in God’s love forever. In addition, gratitude is the bridge between ourselves and God’s boundless grace. finally, Acknowledging God’s work in our lives helps us stay humble and thereby brings us closer to his bosom.

Gratitude enhances worship.

To truly worship God, we have to be in the spirit of thankfulness. Our soul and heart have to be full of praise for his love, protection, and provision. Psalm 100:4 (KJV) says, “4. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”. This Bible text beckons us to enter God’s presence with the spirit of thanksgiving and praise. We must not come to God with just requests but also with thanks and praise for what he has done in our lives.

The Bible emphasizes God’s love for human praise. The angels in heaven worship God, so as it is done in heaven, so must it be on earth. Go to his court with thanks and bless his name so that you may enjoy his mercy forever.

Strengthens relationships with God:

Gratitude helps deepen our relationship with God by fostering a spirit of thankfulness and dependence on him. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV): “31. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”. This Bible text indicates the benefit of relying on God.

Those who put their faith in God will be rewarded with renewed strength and grace to weather life’s storms. at some point it gets hard to When we put our faith in God totally, he rewards our effort with blessings, and that increases our commitment to him. Gratitude helps us realize the impact of God in our lives and thereby solidifies our relationship with God.