The three dimensions of the gratitude

"Give thanks in all things, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5.18

The word gratitude derives its origin from the Latin word "gratitudinem", which means recognition, or "gratus", which means pleasant. We could say that gratitude is recognizing what is nice in our lives. To say thank you, to give thanks, to have gratitude, is excellent and advised by the Bible, as the words of Paul quoted above show.

Do not underestimate yourself ! God wanted your existence and it has a specific purpose for your life.

Gratitude is not automatic in humans. However, you can develop it and make it a daily gesture. For example, some people keep a diary and write there three evening gratitude topics for their day. This is an excellent habit that can really change your life. I do it very often and it helps me put the events of the day in the right perspective. I always find at least three good reasons to say thank you.

I invite you to consider three dimensions in gratitude :

● God : Who He is, His love of the Father, His goodness, His fidelity, His works, His creation, His son's gift, The presence of His Holy Spirit, etc.

● The others : your family, your friends, all the people who are a blessing in your life and for whose existence you can be grateful.

● You : You are a creation of God, a unique and precious work. Do not underestimate yourself ! God wanted your existence and it has a specific purpose for your life. He has placed in you gifts that are not in anyone else. Be grateful for yourself. It has nothing to do with pride. Moreover, one of the writers of the Bible said : "I praise you that I am such a wonderful creature. Your works are admirable, and my soul recognizes it well." Psalms 139.14

Action for Today

Take a break and take a few moments to find a topic of gratitude for each dimension. In what area can you be grateful to God for His existence ? Is there someone you would like to say thank you for ? And as far as you are concerned : what makes you unique and can be a subject of praise to your Creator ? Finally, when we take the time to do so, we find so many reasons to say thank you to Jesus !

Eric Célérier

Source (The Thought of the Day)