Gratitude: Faith’s Telltale Heart

Thanksgiving, America’s wonderful feast and family day, considered by some to be our defining national holiday, is upon us, and most Americans will celebrate in one way or another.  Ironically, I fear too few will do so with a truly grateful heart.  Scriptures are clear that gratitude is not only required of us by God, it is very beneficial as well!  I would suggest that America needs a sincere change of heart regarding gratitude.  Many of us believe that one can or needs to be thankful only when things appear to be going right and well.  This is a serious error!  God expects gratitude from us in good times and in bad!

Gratitude is a funny thing.  It appears to have a life of its own.  By that I mean that a grateful heart bears fruit of itself, often beyond what one’s circumstances might suggest.  God has much to say about gratitude, “In everything,” He says, “give thanks!”