Gratitude is a worldview, but is it a secular worldview or a sacred one? If gratitude is so obviously good for us, emotionally and physically, why are we so ungrateful? And why are Christians who have so much to be grateful for as negative and as physically unhealthy as the godless?
Biblical gratitude helps us return our hearts to the eternal. Living in the midst of so many evils, temptations, and sins, the problem becomes losing sight of the eternal, of becoming distracted. Gratitude helps us focus properly, and that’s why it heals.
In this episode, we look at the etymology of the word gratitude, “the three benes,” the differences between the secular and sacred views of gratitude, and the number one reason why we should be grateful.
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L | Listen (Receive the Word via audio or video.)
O | Observe (Connect the passage to your life and recent events.)
Do you seek the Lord “diligently”? Do God’s words to Abram, “I am your exceedingly great reward” fall flat for you in the face of your suffering? What do you want to say to Him about that?
V | Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)
Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O – Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word® journal. Or, get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.
E | Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)
Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all goodness and love, please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for all of the graces and blessings You have bestowed upon us, spiritual and temporal: our faith and religious heritage; our food and shelter; our health; the loves we have for one another, our family and friends. Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessing throughout the coming year. This we ask in the Name of Jesus, Your Son and our Savior. Amen. +
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What We Discussed | Show Notes
Overview:
Minutes 00:00-12:00 – secular and sacred views of gratitude; the problem with Cain’s offering
Minutes 12:01-24:00 – Old Testament and New Testament evolution of the concept of thanksgiving; the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin language roots of the term “gratitude”
Minutes 24:01-36:00 – the three benes
Minutes 36:01-48:00 – God’s “goodness” to Abram; the number one reason to be grateful
Transcript
Click here for a transcript of the show.