The Power and Quality of being Thankful

In simple terms, the word 'gratitude' sums it all up!

Most of us associate gratitude with saying “thank you” to someone who has helped us or given us a gift. The idea of gratitude is of great interest to the general public. It is of general knowledge the belief that a life orientated around gratefulness is the cure for insatiable yearnings and life's ills.

"Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

From a scientific perspective, gratitude is not just an action. Gratitude is a positive emotion, which is really important because it serves a purpose. What many people do not know is that gratitude plays an important role in several historical movements, and that gratitude is now becoming an important part of psychology research, and especially positive psychology research.

In most of the major world religions, gratitude is a highly prized human disposition. To broaden this concept further, the consensus throughout the world is that people are obligated to feel and express gratitude in response to received benefits. World renowned author and motivational speaker Zig Zagler stated: "The more you give thanks for what you have, the more you'll have to give thanks for."

A more helpful definition comes from the Harvard Medical School, which says that gratitude is:“a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives … As a result, gratitude also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals – whether to other people, nature, or a higher power”.

The social aspect of gratitude is referenced in another definition which comes from a theologian, who says:

“if we acquire a good through exchange, effort or achievement, or by right, then we don’t typically feel gratitude. Gratitude is an emotion we feel in response to receiving something good which is undeserved” (Lacewing, 2016).

Researcher Robert Emmons, in his article 'Counting blessings versus burdens', found that the exercise of writing five items for which we are grateful or thankful each week helped people gain a positive feeling about their lives as a whole and were more optimistic in their expectations for the future. Emmons showed that to maximize one's contentment in life we must be consciously grateful for our blessings. People led to focus on their blessings were more likely to help someone with a personal problem or offer emotional support, thereby suggesting a 'pro-social' motivation as a consequence of the gratitude.

Emmons' research reflects and supports the truth and principles contained in the Bible. 'Thankfulness' is another synonym of gratitude, and God's Word is filled with examples of this attitude. From the inspiration of King David to the example of Jesus Christ, examples of thanks and gratitude are highlighted throughout the Bible.

The apostle Paul admonishes all of us to give thanks always for all things. Ephesians 5:20, "always giving thanks to God the Father for everything,..."

When you feel down, you may find it difficult to give thanks. Take heart - in all things God works for our good if we love Him and are called according to His purpose. Thank God, not for your problems, but for the strength He is building in you through the difficult experiences of your life.

Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus".

Imagine never being 'anxious about anything'! It seems like an impossibility - for we all have worries on the job, in our homes, at school.

Gratitude is felt in response to received benefits and unmerited rewards. If God has opened your mind to His truth, then you too are obligated and commanded to feel and express gratitude. Thoughtful consideration of an 'attitude of gratitude' will allow you a greater understanding of the positive spirit the Apostle Paul exhibited while submerged in negative circumstances. Paul understood gratitude. And he understood to whom his gratitude was owed when he said in Romans 7:25, "I thank God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!".

Supporting material:

* NIV Life Application Bible

* Richard Franz - 'The power of gratitude'

* Positive Psychology - article " What is Gratitude and What Is Its Role in Positive Psychology?