Why Thankfulness Matters Now More Than Ever
It’s hard to ignore that something is missing in our churches and our culture today. That something is gratitude—a simple, yet powerful attitude that once shaped the way we worshipped, lived, and interacted with one another. The Bible teaches that giving thanks isn’t just a good habit for when life is smooth; it’s supposed to be a way of life for every Christian, no matter what’s happening around us.
Gratitude: More Than Just Good Manners
For many, “thank you” has become a throwaway phrase—just something polite to say. But in the Bible, gratitude is much deeper. It’s the heartbeat of real faith. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” That means thankfulness isn’t just for when we get a raise, when our health is good, or things go our way. We’re called to give thanks, even when it’s hard, because it shows we trust God’s love, even when we don’t understand His plan.
The Disappearance of Gratitude
Sadly, both inside and outside the church, gratitude is fading. Our culture is more focused on what we lack than what we have. We chase the next big thing, compare ourselves to others, and get frustrated when life isn’t perfect. Even in church, praise can feel routine and prayers can be filled with requests, but little thanks. The busyness of life and the pressure to always want more can drown out the simple act of giving thanks.
Biblical Gratitude: A Lifestyle, Not a Reaction
The Bible shows that gratitude isn’t just a reaction to good news. It’s an ongoing attitude—thanking God for His love, His faithfulness, and even for challenges that shape us. The Psalms are packed with songs of thanks for God’s wonderful deeds and enduring love (Psalm 107:1, Psalm 100:4). We see Jesus Himself giving thanks, like when He broke bread before feeding the 5,000 (John 6:11). And in the story of the ten lepers, only one came back to say thank you after being healed, showing how rare true gratitude can be (Luke 17:11-19).
Why We Lose Gratitude
Why is gratitude so hard to hold onto? Part of the problem is that we often take things for granted. When life is comfortable, we forget to thank God for the basics—food, health, relationships, and daily mercies. We’re quick to notice what’s missing but slow to celebrate what’s good. And if we’re honest, our hearts can get distracted by earthly things, making it tough for thankfulness to overflow.
Gratitude as Worship and Faith
The Bible calls gratitude an act of worship. Hebrews 12:28 urges us to “be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Gratitude is how we respond to God’s goodness, not just with words, but through prayer, song, and how we live. When we let Christ’s message fill our lives, thankfulness naturally pours out (Colossians 3:16-17).
Practical Ways to Restore Gratitude
· Prayer: Philippians 4:6 says to present our requests to God “with thanksgiving.” Start prayers by thanking God for what He’s already done.
· Praise: Sing or speak words of thanks, even for small blessings. Enter God’s presence with praise (Psalm 100:4).
· Service: Serve others and show generosity as a way of saying thank you to God for what you’ve received.
· Perspective: Remember God’s hand in both good times and hard times. Trust that He is working for your good, even when you can’t see it yet.
Gratitude’s Ripple Effect
When we live with gratitude, it changes us. Our prayers become more joyful, our hearts more peaceful, and our relationships more loving. Thanksgiving helps us forgive, stay humble, and focus on what really matters. It keeps us connected to God’s grace and helps us resist the temptation to always want more.
Conclusion: Rekindling a Thankful Heart
Gratitude is more than a spiritual discipline—it’s a lifeline. In a world that shouts “never enough,” the church is supposed to stand out as a community that says, “God is enough.” The loss of gratitude is not just a cultural problem, but a spiritual one. The good news? It’s never too late to start giving thanks again.
Let’s ask God to help us see His blessings, to thank Him in every circumstance, and to let gratitude overflow in our lives—so that the world around us can see the difference Christ makes in a truly thankful heart.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 