It is impossible to live the Christian life without gratitude. Gratitude is the lifeline of Christians, interwoven throughout Scripture. It is a response to God’s sovereign grace. In a world often marked by entitlement and dissatisfaction, cultivating gratitude anchors us in the truth of God’s goodness, sovereignty, and providence. Today, we explore why gratitude is essential in the Christian’s life and how it transforms our lives.
The Object of Our Gratitude
God ought to be the object of our gratitude. The Psalmist sings in Psalm 136:1, “Give thanks to the Lord, FOR HE IS GOOD…” God is goodness itself; goodness is the essence of his being. In his sermon on Psalm 136, Charles Spurgeon comments, “He is good beyond all others: indeed, he alone is good in the highest sense; he is the source of good, the good of all good, the sustainer of good, the perfecter of good, and the rewarder of good. For this, he deserves the constant gratitude of his people.” Gratitude to him acknowledges his goodness and reminds us of it. Because God is good, all that flows from him is good (Genesis 1:31, 1 Timothy 4:4, James 1:17). Therefore, we thank God not only because he is good but because he does and gives us good.
With all the fallenness of this world, what good has God done? He sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10). We thank God because were it not for the death of Christ, we would be conquered by death. But praise God, for death is swallowed up in victory, and we receive this victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
God does not withhold any good things from them that walk uprightly; therefore, we know anything we ask of him, and he withholds, it is for our good that he does so. And what about suffering? Does God cease to be good when we drink the cup of suffering? Certainly not. God assures us that he worketh EVERYTHING for our good (Romans 8:28). Paul and James paint the good that suffering is to us. Through suffering, our faith is perfected (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4), and our hope is strengthened (2 Corinthians 12:9). More to it, our character is refined and made more like Christ’s, who is God. Scripture reminds us that no one is good (Romans 3:10); no one but God. And if he is transforming us into the likeness of his Son, the exact imprint of his nature (Hebrews 1:3), then we know that goodness is being grown in us.
When our gratitude is entrenched in the soil of God’s good character and acts, the posture of our hearts will be gratitude. Our Knowledge of God ought to be where our thankfulness begins.
Gratitude as a Response to Grace
Paul emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation. In Ephesians 2:8-9 he reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Gratitude springs from recognizing that salvation is God’s work, not ours. It is acknowledging our unworthiness and exalting God’s mercy. As John Calvin wrote, “We shall never be clothed with the righteousness of Christ except if we first know assuredly that we have no righteousness of our own.” This realization compels us to thank God for his undeserved kindness.
Gratitude Reflects God’s Sovereignty
God is sovereign, orchestrating every detail for his glory and our good (Romans 8:28). Gratitude acknowledges this truth, even under challenging circumstances. When we give thanks in all situations (1 Thessalonians 5:18), we demonstrate trust in God’s perfect plan and submit to his will. Gratitude guards our hearts against bitterness and despair, enabling us to see trials as part of God’s sanctifying work. As the Heidelberg Catechism beautifully puts it, “…He will also turn to my good whatever adversity he sends me in this life of sorrow.” (Q&A 26).
Gratitude Fuels Obedience
Being grateful is not just a feeling but an act of and motive for obedience. The Ten Commandments begin with a reminder of God’s grace: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Exodus 20:2). Our obedience flows from gratitude for God’s redemptive work, not a desire to earn his favour. Reflecting on God’s blessings spurs us to love him and our neighbours more deeply. Gratitude transforms duty into delight and, in turn, makes obedience a joyful response to God’s love.
Gratitude as Witness
A life marked by gratitude testifies to God’s goodness. In a culture where discontentment often rules the day, Christians have an opportunity to shine as lights (Philippians 2:14-15). Gratitude demonstrates the sufficiency of Christ and the hope we have in him. When we express thanks in word and deed, we glorify God and draw others to him. Psalm 107:1 exhorts us, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Gratitude is evangelistic, inviting others to taste and see the Lord’s goodness.
Gratitude and Worship
Worship is the ultimate expression of gratitude. Worship is the central activity of the Christian life, where we thank and praise God for who he is and what he has done. Gratitude fuels our worship, moving us to exalt God’s glory and grace. The Psalms are filled with calls to thanksgiving: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” (Psalm 100:4). As we gather to worship, gratitude unites us as we proclaim God’s greatness and mercy.
Tune our Hearts to Sing thy Grace
Gratitude is not optional for the Christian; it is an integral aspect of our faith. Rooted in recognizing God’s grace, sovereignty, and provision, gratitude transforms our hearts, fuels our obedience, and glorifies God. As we grow in gratitude, we align our hearts with God’s purposes and bear witness to his goodness. May our hearts be forever tuned to sing of God’s grace and goodness towards us.
