As Christians, we’re called to live our lives in obedience to God.
That means living according to His will, and one of the most important things He asks of us is that we give thanks and live with an attitude of gratitude.
But what does it really mean to show gratitude according to God? Let’s look at Scripture for some answers.
Living With Gratitude is A Heart Issue
When we talk about giving thanks in our daily lives, it isn’t just about saying “thank you” here and there—it’s about having a heart attitude of thankfulness towards the Lord.
The Bible is full of references to how vital a thankful heart is.
In Colossians 3:15-17, Paul writes, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God…”
Here Paul emphasizes that having a thankful heart comes from allowing the Word of Christ to dwell within us and how we must spend time studying God’s Word so that we can better understand what it means to live with gratitude.
Expressing Thanks is Essential
In addition to having an attitude of gratitude towards the Lord, expressing thankfulness is also essential when living according to His will.
This means speaking out loud words of praise for all that He has done for us—as well as expressing sincere thanks for even the small blessings He gives us day by day!
One example can be found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 which reads, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
This verse shows how integral expressing thanks is when it comes to living obediently before Him!
How Do You Live A Life Of Gratitude To God?
We can live a life of gratitude to God by mirroring Jesus’s example and actively seeking out opportunities to be generous with our words and actions.
This is important because when we show a heart of gratitude each day, we are better able to recognize our blessings and express that appreciation back to Him.
In addition, prayer can help us refine our focus and maintain consistent acknowledgment of His greatness.
Focusing the majority of our time on building an intimate relationship with the Lord can create moments of clarity that allow us to make decisions in alignment with His will for us.
Walking with God through life in this way not only serves as a reminder about the privilege it is to be alive but also reminds us who holds the breath of each living thing in His hands.
What Does The Bible Say About Living A Life Of Gratitude?
The Bible speaks quite extensively about the benefits of having an attitude of gratitude.
Romans 12:12 advises believers to “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Similarly, Colossians 3:15 advises us to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
Being thankful helps us accept our circumstances and find joy even when it is hard to do so.
The Psalms often speak of finding joy in giving thanks regardless of trials or struggles.
Throughout both Old and New Testament scripture, we are warned against grumbling, giving into fear, or complaining about our current situation, as these thoughts only lead us astray from recognizing God’s grace for us, His children.
The Bible commands us to recognize God’s goodness through developing a grateful heart; by doing so, we open ourselves up for some truly miraculous blessings that come with living a life of gratitude.
How Do You Live an Obedient Life To God?
Living an obedient life to God is no small task! It requires diligence, consistency, and faithfulness.
Scripture tells us that the only way to enter God’s Kingdom is by being obedient to Him through both our words and our actions (Romans 6:16-17).
To live an obedient life to God is to obey His commands faithfully and humbly.
This includes abstaining from habits or behaviors He’s asked us to avoid, deepening our relationship with Him through study, prayer, and meditation, as well as connecting with brothers and sisters in Christ that can hold us accountable.
Living an obedient life to God isn’t always easy, but it will bless you with joy and peace like nothing else (John 14:27). That’s why it’s best to take it a day at a time and trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Practical Ways To Cultivate Gratitude Towards God: Useful Tools
There are many resources available to help you on this path! The Bible itself is the perfect place for guidance and spiritual nourishment, which can remind us about the guiding principles of our faith through stories, parables, and teachings.
Prayer is also an important resource; it’s a way to cultivate a connection between us and our Lord.
Additionally, fellowship with other believers at church services or study groups can be uplifting and inspiring.
Taking part in social service activities or attending bible studies are further ways to stay grounded in Christian values.
You might also want to get your personal study guides and journals as well. Some ideas are:
- Bible study guides
- Gratitude journals
- Prayer journals
Through using these tools thoughtfully, we can strive for greater holiness in our lives and build a more meaningful relationship with God.
Living With Gratitude is What God Commands From us
I can’t count the number of times that I had to humble myself and be reminded to remain grateful for everything God has given me in my life.
It is so easy to lose sight of this during our day, especially when things aren’t going how we want them to.
Living a life of gratitude according to God isn’t just about saying “thank you” here and there—it’s about recognizing that everything we have comes from Him and being willing to express our appreciation with both our actions and words!
By allowing the Word of Christ to dwell within us richly while also speaking out loud words of praise each day, we can become closer to Him while also showing our genuine appreciation for all that He has done!
Doing this not only brings Him glory but also helps us become more obedient children who are bearing fruit on earth as Jesus commanded!
It’s amazing what happens when living with an attitude of gratitude becomes part of our daily life!