The Therapy of Thank You

Gratitude requires humility. Humility reflects the attitude of Christ.

Gratitude acknowledges one's own need and lifts the one being thanked. When you say thank you to the person who serves you at the restaurant or the supermarket, you are acknowledging them for what they did for you. To be able to appreciate and consider others better than yourself reflects a humble spirit.

Pride keeps us from recognizing our need for others, from recognizing that we cannot do everything on our own. Pride also keeps us from thinking of others as better than ourselves. Pride says, I know better than you, I am better than you. But humility says, could you show/teach me, I would like to learn of you. Humility also says I appreciate you.

The Bible says God stiff-arms the proud but gives grace to the humble.

An attitude of gratitude keeps us humble. A simple thank-you can go a long way in our walk with the Lord and in our relationships. Gratitude, sadly, is often not a natural response. Taking people for granted, especially those close to us is more the norm. It takes intentional effort to be grateful. We need to be intentional to develop the habit of acknowledging those who serve us, in ways small or big. We need to make it a point, to appreciate our spouse, parent, child—those within your family that we often tend to take for granted.

So what is your Gratitude Quotient (GQ) today? Are you are finding it difficult to be grateful? Is it easier to appreciate others rather than those within the family? What is stopping you? Is there pride that you need to confess?

Dear Lord, I confess there is pride in me that keeps me from being humble and grateful to You and those around. Forgive me and give me Your spirit of humility I pray.