An Attitude of Gratitude ~ Be Thankful and Return Kindness

 

READ: Matthew 10:5-8 (NLT)

5 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, 6 but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. 7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

REFLECT: 

November is the unofficial start of the holiday season. It’s a time to connect with loved ones, reflect on things we’re thankful for, and express gratitude. A common Thanksgiving tradition requires each individual around the dinner table to say what they’re grateful for. Familiar things include family, friends, food, shelter, and health. This isn’t a practice reserved for Christians - even atheists express gratitude. While you don’t have to be a Christian to express gratitude,  believers are challenged to take gratitude a step further.

In Matthew 10, Jesus sent out the disciples to continue His works and spread His message to God’s lost people. He instructed them to tell others of the impending Kingdom of God,  as well as to heal, raise the dead, and cast out demons. Then, He charged them to give as freely as they received. This is gratitude in action.

There are two components of gratitude: being thankful and returning kindness. Telling God that you’re thankful for His goodness is a necessary first step. Next, we must express thanksgiving by returning God’s kindness. We do this by sharing the goodness of the Lord with those around us - not hoarding His blessings for ourselves. 

With the authority, power, and gifts He bestowed upon us, we are to share the gospel of Christ with others, help those in need, deliver the message of hope and healing to the broken, feed the hungry, help the poor, and comfort the lonely.  When we do these things, not only do we acknowledge the goodness of God, but we return His kindness by sharing it generously with others.  

RESPOND: 

In what ways has God shown you His goodness? What will you do this week to share God’s goodness with those around you? 

SONG OF THE WEEK: 

Thankful (Verses)

-DNelson

11/02/23