Gratitude is a Great Attitude.

What are you thankful for? Why are you thankful? To whom are you thankful?

This coming Thursday 21st September is ‘World Gratitude Day‘.

Gratitude is defined as the state of being grateful. Which itself is defined as ‘feeling or showing an appreciation for something done or received‘. It is from the Latin word ‘Gratus‘ which means to ‘welcome, greet or praise‘ and has the same root as the word ‘gratia‘ from which we get the word ‘grace‘.

All of this to me, links together to show that true gratitude comes from a place where we feel and show appreciation to God for the life He has given us and for all that He has done for us. Everything that we have from God is a gift of His grace towards us.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:15-17

This last Sunday 17th September, continuing with our ‘We believe’ series at ‘Redefine‘, we looked at ‘Everyone is a worship leader‘.

Too often we think of a worship leader as the person who stands at the front of a Church service and leads the singing. They’re skilled and gifted at what they do, but God has called all of us to worship. Indeed, as we realise all that God has done for us and all that we have received from Him as a result of Jesus’ death & resurrection, we will naturally be filled with gratitude that overflows into worship & praise (2 Corinthians 4 & 1 Peter 1).

This is not just making music or singing songs to God to thank Him, but also in the way we live our lives. How we treat others. How generous we are with our finances, our time, our lives.

When we realise how much God has given us and how everything we have comes from Him, then it really puts everything else into its proper perspective. “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” – Colossians 3:1-4 (Indeed read the whole of Colossians 3)

So in light of all of this, what are you thankful for? Why are you thankful? Who are you thankful to? and also How can you demonstrate your thankfulness?

One way you could demonstrate your gratitude to God is share with others the difference Jesus has made in your life.

You could also think about volunteering with us here at Llandudno Youth for Christ?

However you express your gratitude to God, have a great week full of a great attitude of gratitude and be blessed!