How are you doing in your challenge of making a list of three to five things for which you are thankful every day? I would enjoy hearing from you.
This month we’ll focus on how Types of Gratitude and what they may look like.
_______________________________________________________________
Types of Gratitude
We’ve established that Gratitude, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary, is the state of being grateful : THANKFULNESS.
Gratitude is a profound emotion that goes beyond politeness and carries great significance in our lives. It can be categorized into a trait, a mood, and an emotion.
Trait: A Quality That’s Worth Developing
As a quality, gratitude describes a person’s general tendency to be appreciative. It’s a feature of our emotional constitution and what makes us unique. Those that are grateful tend to be more appreciative of all the blessings in life, no matter how minor. This persistent characteristic enables individuals to recognize the goodness in their surroundings and find satisfaction in the present.
Cultivating gratitude, a trait comes from life-altering incidents or is developed later in life, involves training the mind to focus on positive aspects of life, enhancing resilience and navigating life’s challenges. It is a trait that someone demonstrates on a regular basis (McCullough et al., 2002) and is regarded as strength of character. It is crucial to keep in mind that, with awareness and effort, thankfulness may be developed into strength.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Mood: A Temporary State of Mind
Gratitude is an emotion that shares similarities to appreciation. Specifically, this type of phenomenon is described by the American Psychological Association as “a sense of happiness and thankfulness in response to a fortunate happenstance or tangible gift.”
The term “mood” describes the emotional condition that varies during the day. When gratitude emerges as a mood, it indicates that you are experiencing an intense wave of appreciation and thankfulness at that very moment.
For example, when you observe a stunning sunrise or sunset, get an unanticipated compliment or form of praise from a friend, boss or coworker, or you have an enjoyable talk with a friend, you may experience feelings of gratitude. These moments can improve your general well-being and radiate an uplifting energy to those around you.
Biblical gratitude is “extending favor towards” someone or showing compassion and kindness in return.
Gratitude is referenced frequently in the Bible because it fosters the growth of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Giving praise to God will bring us love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance, as well as faithfulness to God. Your spiritual growth begins with gratitude.
Having an attitude of thankfulness in your mind is the first step towards embracing gratitude as a mood. This entails making an intentional decision to adopt a happier and more appreciative mindset, particularly in trying times. Gratitude can be consciously developed through volunteering, practicing compassion, appreciating small victories, concentrating on what you have, thanking people, and maintaining a gratitude journal.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Colossians 3:16-17
Emotion: A Profound Feeling
Gratitude is a positive response to God’s goodness and grace, demonstrating gratitude in one’s life when they recognize God’s work in their lives. It’s about recognizing that God is in control of everything, even tough life transitions, job promotions, and gorgeous sunrises.
Even as I write this devotional, my heart is feeling a little bit of sadness because a dear friend of the family that we met shortly after our daughter was born graduated to heaven three years ago today. I know that she is in a better place and is no longer suffering, and she may even be loving on our family members who have gone before us. Reflecting on this knowing that she is in the presence of our Lord brings hope and peace.
Or even when I reminisce on meaningful gifts that have been given, my heart and mind are flooded with gratitude —a wave of warmth and gratitude that strengthens my bond with the giver.
Gratitude’s Power
Engaging in multiple forms of gratitude provides an abundance of benefits. Gratitude, whether it is cultivated as a personal quality, felt as a temporary feeling, or treasured as an enduring emotion, can:
- Enhance mental health by lowering tension and anxiety.
- Build appreciation and a sense of connection to strengthen relationships.
- Promote better sleep and less inflammation to boost physical health.
- Increase general well-being and contentment with life.
Are you showing gratitude in your life?
Here’s how to determine your level of gratitude. We must examine our lives through Scripture applications in the following passages:
Gratitude is a mindset that allows us to see our blessings even when we cannot see them. Expressing to God and others how they have improved our lives by providing support, gratitude, and kindness is a part of worship. We are grateful that His blood has redeemed us (Luke 17:11–19; 1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Ingratitude and disapproval are opposites, indicating a refusal to acknowledge and respond to Christ’s grace. This can manifest as a lack of faith or a refusal to grow and respond to God.
Positive examples in Scripture: (2 Samuel 2:5-7; Psalm 113:1-9; Daniel 2:17-23; Luke 17:11-19)
Negative examples in Scripture: (Exodus 17:1-4; Romans 1:18-32; 2 Timothy 3:1-5)
Now ask yourself. . .
- Do I show Gratitude every day?
- How can I improve my attitude of gratitude for all that Christ has done for me?
- What prevents me from being grateful?
- How can I strengthen, increase, and hasten my gratitude, even during difficult and stressful circumstances?
As Christians, we should be thankful to God and live up to the call to praise Him continually. We should view ourselves as sojourners on earth, preparing for our true home in heaven. This will result in a life filled with praise to God, appreciating His goodness and overflowing praise to others.
We should praise God always, and remember that God’s plan includes growth in Him.
______________________________________________________________
I hope that as you write down God’s promises this month, you will sense His presence all around you—within you, beside you, all around. I pray that you will always be aware of His presence.
You can download a copy of this month’s plan here:
https://charitymaeprosper.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/JS.April_.pdf
Resources:
- Life Application Study Bible: King James Version. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2004. Print
- Henry, Matthew, 1662-1714. (1991). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible : wherein each chapter is summed up in its contents: the sacred text inserted at large in distinct paragraphs; each paragraph reduced to its proper heads: the sense given, and largely illustrated with practical remarks and observations. Peabody, Mass. :Hendrickson Publishers
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gratitude
- https://skylight.org/blog/posts/the-3-types-of-gratitude
- https://www.thinklessandgrowrich.com/types-of-gratitude/
- https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-appreciation/#gratitude-positive-psychology
- McCullough, M. E., Emmons, R. A., & Tsang, J.-A. (2002). The grateful disposition: A conceptual and empirical topography. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82(1), 112–127. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.82.1.112
- https://get.tithe.ly/blog/gratitude-in-the-bible-give-thanks-with-a-grateful-heart#:~:text=Meanwhile%2C%20Biblical%20gratitude%20is%20an,gratefulness%20in%20how%20you%20live.
- https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-gratitude-5206817
- http://www.discipleshiptools.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=37105&columnid=4166
