Gratitude is not merely a fleeting emotion; it is a deliberate and intentional expression of thankfulness for receiving blessings we may not necessarily deserve.

In our journey through life, we are never truly alone. God has divinely appointed individuals to walk beside us during different stages, offering encouragement and support as we fulfill His purpose on Earth. Therefore, it is our solemn duty to cultivate a spirit of gratitude towards them.

Conversely, we are also called to be instruments of support in the lives of others. It is an expectation that those around us hold, and it is our heavenly obligation to fulfill. While not everyone may express gratitude for our assistance, this should not deter us from extending a helping hand whenever we have the means to do so.

Apostle Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, serves as an exemplary model of recognizing and expressing gratitude to those who played pivotal roles in his ministry. This demonstrates that we, too, should follow suit.

Our expressions of gratitude can encompass various forms, including acknowledging the time people invest in our lives, appreciating their financial or material contributions, and recognizing their care and concern during both challenging and prosperous times.

In the scriptures below, we find Apostle Paul publicly expressing his heartfelt gratitude to numerous individuals who have made significant contributions to his mission.

How did Apostle Paul show gratitude?

Romans 16 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. ² I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

³ Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. ⁴ They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

⁵ Greet also the church that meets at their house.

Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.

⁶ Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.

⁷ Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

⁸ Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.

⁹ Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.

¹⁰ Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.

Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.

¹¹ Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.

Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

¹² Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.

Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.

¹³ Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.

¹⁴ Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.

¹⁵ Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them.

¹⁶ Greet one another with a holy kiss.

All the churches of Christ send greetings.”

Why should we be grateful?

The closing of this chapter highlights a multitude of individuals whom Paul held in deep gratitude. It serves as a poignant reminder that both giving and receiving appreciation bring profound joy to the human heart.

This sentiment isn’t exclusive to humans alone; it extends to God. Expressing gratitude is not just a request but a requirement from God. It’s not optional; it’s mandatory, yet it’s never coerced.

In fact, the more we cultivate an attitude of gratitude towards God, the more abundantly He showers us with His blessings. While God’s love and generosity are not contingent on our acknowledgment, our gratitude signifies our awareness of the countless gifts bestowed upon us.

While human love may not always mirror God’s unconditional love, there’s an inherent inclination to give more to those who express thankfulness.

What can we do to show gratitude?

Expressing gratitude is a deeply personal and diverse experience, as everyone responds uniquely to acts of appreciation.

One of the simplest and most economical ways to convey gratitude is through spoken words.

Clearly articulating our thankfulness when someone extends a kindness toward us is fundamental. Moreover, sharing how their actions have positively impacted our lives adds depth to our expressions of gratitude.

However, a thoughtful approach is to tailor our gestures of thanksgiving to the individual’s personality. For instance, if you’re aware that a person cherishes receiving gifts, a small, meaningful token can hold immense value, regardless of its price.

Conversely, for those who find joy in spending time with others, surprising them with a visit can be a powerful expression of gratitude.

In summary, whether it’s gratitude towards God or fellow humans, there’s always a way to convey appreciation. The key is to find ways to do so regularly, embracing diverse means of expressing our thankfulness.

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