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Outline
God loves Gratitude
Gratitude is Good for you (very good)
A Practical Plan
At the end of this talk my goal is that you will be:
more thankful
as a result you will be happier
and less likely to be depressed
people will like you more
but much more than any of that
God loves us to be thankful
so you will increase his pleasure in you.
Philippians 1 & 4
I thank my God every time I remember you.
Be anxious about nothing, but in everything
by prayer [worshiping]
and petition [expressing need]
with thanksgiving [gratitude]
let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God [his own peace]
which surpasses all understanding
will stand guard over your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus
Colossians 2:2–7
that their hearts may be encouraged,
being knit together in love,
and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding,
to the knowledge of the mystery of God, [that is]
Christ, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.
Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,
rooted and built up in him and established in the faith,
just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Colossians 3:15–17
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
for which purpose you were chosen in one body;
and be thankful [to God].
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 thanks in your hearts to the Lord.
And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Outline
God loves Gratitude
Gratitude is Good for you (very good)
A Practical Plan
B. Thankfulness makes us healthier.
16% fewer physical symptoms
10% less physical pain
8% more sleep, with improved quality
Depressive symptoms reduced 30%
Blood pressure reduction
Even studies that suggested an increase in lifespan
C. Thankfulness helps us socially
Studies have shown that increasing thankfulness has the results:
More Friendly
Better Marriage
More Respect
More Friends
Deeper Relationships
D. Numerous other benefits
Personality
More Optimistic
More Self-Esteem
Emotional
More Resilience
More Good Feeling
Less Depression
Career success
Outline
God loves Gratitude
Gratitude is Good for you (very good)
A Practical Plan
3. A Practical Plan
God gave us a plan in Ephesians 5:20
“…giving thanks at all times and for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”
And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Think of 3 things to be thankful for:
in the last 24 hours
specific (not general as in “good health”)
Thankfulness for basic necessities?
Food
Shelter
clothing
Safety and Security
Freedom from physical pain
Access to healthcare
Hygiene
Stability of life
Maybe extra blessings to be thankful for?
Excellent food
Beautiful and comfortable homes (comparatively)
Wonderful freedom of choice of clothing
Free time—don’t have to work 24/7
Access to culture and entertainment
Education
Easy transport
Communication with friends and family
Opportunities to make a difference to the lives of others
Spiritual Blessings Now?
Forgiveness of sin
Peace with God
Loved and adopted by God
God’s care over our lives now
The gift of his Spirit within us
An opportunity to significantly serve God
The community of Christ
In Eternity?
Secure for eternity
A future inheritance which is unimaginably wonderful
To reach the potential God has for each of us
To experience the love of Christ in its full intensity
Colossians 3
And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Think of 3 things to be thankful for:
in the last 24 hours
specific (not general as in “good health”)
2 Corinthians 9:15
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
Colossians 3:15–17
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
for which purpose you were chosen in one body;
and be thankful [to God].
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 thanks in your hearts to the Lord.
And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.