5 Purposes for Gratitude
by Annie Yorty
Have you ever wondered why God tells us to express gratitude? He doesn’t command thanksgiving because He needs it from us. He tells us to give thanks because the act of appreciation is good for us. Let’s consider 5 purposes for gratitude from the Bible.
When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.
~ G.K. Chesterton
First Words of Gratitude
Speech came slowly to Alyssa, our daughter who has Down syndrome. Years of therapy finally paid off as she began to verbalize wants and needs, to give voice to her inner thoughts and motivations. These days, you’d never know Alyssa once struggled to speak. We’re grateful words fly out of her mouth without much thought or effort—most of the time.
In those first few quiet years, we taught Alyssa sign language so she could communicate. Her first word? Thank you.
To this day, that’s one of only two words I still remember how to sign. That, and “potty.” 😊
As a new mom, I instinctively knew Alyssa needed to learn to express thanks. I didn’t know it back then, but our heavenly Father considers gratitude to be a pretty big deal too. His command is straightforward and clear.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT)
A Biblical Example of Gratitude
One day when Jesus was walking to Jerusalem, he encountered a group of ten men with leprosy. They all begged Jesus to extend mercy toward them. I’m sure they hoped to be healed of this dreaded disease that isolated them from family, friends, work—everything that gave life meaning. Jesus felt pity for them.
He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. (Luke 17:14 NLT)
Can you imagine the conversation as the men walked toward town? I wonder if the healing was gradual or instantaneous. At what point did they realize they were healed?
Even more perplexing to me is the response of nine out of the ten ex-lepers. Apparently, receiving the healing they so desperately wanted did not provoke a word of thanks to Jesus. Luke records that only one man returned to glorify the Person who restored his health and life.
Jesus also noted the oversight.
Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:17-18 NLT)
Because of his gratitude, this man received far more than physical healing. Referring to his eternal spiritual condition, Jesus said, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you” (Luke 17:19 NLT).
Gratitude is not simply an etiquette rule. #purposesforgratitude #annieyorty Click To Tweet5 Purposes for Gratitude
If God tells us to be thankful, He has good reasons. Gratitude is not simply a heavenly etiquette rule. In the Bible, we find at least 5 purposes for gratitude.
1. When we show gratitude for God, we fulfill our purpose to give Him glory.
Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them. (Isaiah 43:7 NLT)
2. Appreciation for God produces deeper love for Him. When we acknowledge who God is and all He’s done for us, our worship changes from lip service to heart service.
For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24 NLT)
3. Gratitude to God and others keeps us humble. When we fail to express thanks, we begin to believe we have provided everything for ourselves.
What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift? (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT)
4. A focus on thankfulness discourages comparisons with other people.
But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant! (2 Corinthians 10:12b NLT)
5. Gratitude for God shines a spotlight on the good news of Jesus for all to see.
I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people. (Psalm 22:22 NLT)
Grateful to Give Thanks to God
Having a child who was not able to verbally express gratitude taught me that even the ability to give thanks is a gift. In this week before Thanksgiving, why not meditate upon God’s purposes for gratitude. Start a list of things you thank God for and add to it daily. Culminate the holiday by praising Him for each item you wrote.
Join the conversation:
Please flood the comments with the things you thank God for.
I welcome your comments!
Copyright ©2023 Annie Yorty
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From Ignorance to Bliss
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Readers receive inspiration and hope through a transparent dive into real life with Alyssa, who has Down syndrome. Annie offers stories of God’s faithfulness from before diagnosis and birth through adulthood.
Filled with humor and poignance, From Ignorance to Bliss demonstrates how God uses the unexpected in life to grow and change those who are willing.
Bible Verses to Give Thanks
16 Comments
Pat Rayl
Wow Annie. I never thought of the Luke 17:17-18 passage where Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” I’m wondering how many times in my own life that I gave little or no gratitude to the One who gave so much to me. Thankful for your ministry Annie and Alyssa.
Annie Yorty
Pat, thank you very much for visiting and adding to the conversation. I, too, shudder to think how often I’ve been like those nine who simply continued on their way. What missed opportunities. But God pours out His grace on us and helps us to change. Happy Thanksgiving and blessings to all your family!
Maggie Wallem Rowe
Annie, your mention of Alyssa today strengthened my heart once again. Our granddaughter with Turner Syndrome is now two – a miracle in itself – and we don’t yet know what her capabilities will be. And we have another grandchild also diagnosed with special needs. I am trying to remember daily to thank God in advance for what he will do in their lives that I cannot see yet.
Annie Yorty
Maggie, I’m thrilled you were encouraged today. I’m sure your grandchildren are lights in your life, yet you probably wonder and worry at times about their future. Looking back, I see how often I stressed when some skill took “too long,” but God was working all along. And I’ve also learned there are some capabilities they don’t need. God is always good and has a wonderful purpose for each child in your family. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Nancy E. Head
What do we have that didn’t come from God? Nothing at all. Wonderful post, Annie. God bless!
Annie Yorty
Absolutely nothing! Thank you, Nancy, for visiting. Blessings to you too!
Katherine Pasour
“Gratitude to God keeps us humble.” Your statement really resonated with me. So true. We’d be nothing and have nothing (nothing that matters) without Him. Thank you for this timely message, Annie. Happy Thanksgiving.
Annie Yorty
I need to preach the truth to myself all the time, Katherine. Thanks for adding to the conversation today. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
J.D. Wininger
Always enjoy your posts and your heartwarming stories that share how God is front and center in your family’s lives Ms. Annie. I couldn’t help but hear, in my mind, words from The Doxology, “from whom all blessings flow.” It all comes back to who we keep in our heart, doesn’t it? Happy Thanksgiving ma’am.
Annie Yorty
I’m singing it with you, J.D. God is our wonderful Father. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
Joanna Eccles
Thank you for reminding us that gratitude glorifies God and helps move us from lip service to heart service as we worship God instead of comparing ourselves with others.
Annie Yorty
Joanna, thank you for visiting and adding your insights. Blessings to you!
Yvonne Morgan
Great reminder for us to give continuous thanks to our Heavenly Father. Thanks Annie
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Yvonne. God bless!
Katy Kauffman
I really like this point – when we appreciate God, our love for Him grows deeper still. Thank you for your story and your insights, Annie! I’m grateful we can give thanks too. God bless you and Alyssa and all the family!
Annie Yorty
Katy, thank you for visiting and adding to the conversation. May God bless you too!