Live Gratefully

Author: Jacob Tynes
Editor: Danielle Milliken
Scriptures: Colossians 4:2
Song: Jesus You're Beautiful (Live)

Recently in a group discussion, the topic gratitude was presented. Many within the group discussed and approached gratitude through the lens of being expressed through words and being happy.

Here's what I know to be true... You can't always be happy, but you can always be grateful.  

If we break down the definition of gratitude, we see that the first portion refers to the quality of being thankful. The word "being" simply means existence. I would suggest that we need to exist with a mindset of thanksgiving in order to obtain this quality of living/existing from an overflow of gratitude.

Colossians 4:2 says, "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." This scripture instructs its readers to devote themselves to prayer, while allowing watchfulness and thankfulness to exist (be) at the foundation of our perspective and daily lives.

For the Christian, I would argue this is a way in which we can live from an overflow of gratitude... devoting yourself to a relationship with God. When referring to the word prayer, this does not mean your wish list. It means a conversation where you speak and listen.

The second portion of gratitude's definition is readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Returning kindness is a response, but readiness is the state of being fully prepared for something or willingness to do something.

It is this other side of gratitude that leads me to ask this question, "Is your gratitude dependent  on your circumstance? Or, is your gratitude an overflow from your communion with Jesus?

I will leave you with this quote from one of my favorite authors, AW Tozer, "Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it."

This week, journal and ask yourself that question. I encourage you to live gratefully.