by Rev. Pete Bliss, Chief Operating Officer of The City Mission
The late D. James Kennedy once said, “Gratitude is the Christians’ secret weapon.”
Modern science has determined that gratitude is directly related to spiritual, emotional, and physical health. Recent research concludes that simple gratitude helps us better manage stress, helps protect the immune system, results in greater energy and alertness levels, and results in fewer health complaints.
Gratitude is a catalyst for change in a person’s life. But what is it, really?
Researcher Robert Emmons comments, “Gratitude is an affirmation of the goodness in one’s life and the recognition that the sources of this goodness lie at least partially outside the self. Gratitude is more than a feeling. It requires a willingness to recognize (a) that one has been the beneficiary of someone’s kindness; (b) that the benefactor has intentionally provided a benefit, often incurring some personal cost; (c) that the benefit has value in the eyes of the beneficiary. Gratitude implies humility – a recognition that we could not be who we are or where we are in life without the contributions of others.”
Gratitude is essential to spiritual transformation in our clients, and in us. For the Christian, gratitude begins at the Cross of Christ: “God canceled the record that contained the charges against us. He took it and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ’s cross” (Colossians 2:14). Scripture abounds in references to the need for gratitude. In fact, it is commanded. This means that gratitude is not a feeling, it is a choice. All sin begins with ingratitude. It goes back to the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve’s disobedience was a result of ingratitude for what they already had. And so it goes for all of us.
For those who may actually be serious about gratitude, here are some practical tips:
- Remember that Biblical gratitude is a choice, not a feeling
- Practice gratitude proactively – it takes effort
- Try daily gratitude journaling
- Share gratitude with others
- Use gratitude to combat depression
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Paul in Colossians 3:15).