As a mom, I understand the pressure we put on ourselves to ensure we raise kind and courteous children. “Say please, don’t forget to say thank you.” We don’t want to be “that parent” with “those children.” However, if we’re honest, often our instruction on manners is rooted in people-pleasing and not necessarily a thankful heart.
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We Forget About The Heart
Have you ever held the door open for someone, and perhaps, being distracted, they neglected to say “thank you,” and you find yourself annoyed, angered even? Was your kind gesture the result of purity of heart or a need to be seen as pure? Because a pure and thankful heart is more concerned with giving out of love than the need to receive out of obligation. Further, how often do we neglect to give God the thanks He deserves? We fail to acknowledge the gift of grace and mercy of the Father, yet scowl at a brother or sister when they fall short in the manners department?
Thankfulness should always be rooted in the nature and character of Christ. It flows from a posture of selfless love. Likewise, a thankful heart does everything in the name of Jesus, not in the name of our perceived goodness. We love because He first loved us. We give because He first gave to us. Thankfulness and gratitude are produced from an overflow of God’s goodness to us. A goodness that we did not deserve. A goodness that was offered before we came to be. Despite the ugliness of man, God remains faithful to His nature of compassion. This is where we learn the true heart of thankfulness. The gift of grace was poured out on us, and the only right response is “Thank you!”
The Heart Of Christ
So this month, as we collectively try to practice thankfulness, let’s remember the heart of Christ. It is a heart that is willing and eager to serve, a heart full of compassion and love, a heart that is quick to forgive and clothes us in righteousness. Therefore, ask God to search your heart and purify your intentions. Give thanks to Him as you practice thankfulness with others.
With Love,
Tamara
Scripture To Meditate On
‘Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ‘
‘give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ‘
‘And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. ‘
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References:
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
