Showing Gratitude: It’s the Right Thing to Do

Welcome to another post in our Power of Gratitude Series.  This post is written by Jonsie Ivey of Truth That Inspires.  In this post Jonsie shares her thoughts on why showing gratitude is the right thing to do.  I know you will enjoy it. 

The Thanksgiving holiday is quickly approaching. When it gets here, people all across America will travel hundreds and even thousands of miles to unite with their loved ones and become “family” once again. It is a time for relaxation, reminiscing and showing gratitude. A time to put the hustle and bustle of life on hold and enjoy what many of us consider as one of the most important things in life, spending quality time with the ones we love. 

During this season of reflection many age-old traditions will be followed. Some families will sit around the kitchen table and start showing gratitude by individually expressing what they are thankful for. Some families will  have written down things they are thankful for throughout the year on individual slips of paper, put them in a jar and then read them out loud one by one on Thanksgiving Day. They reminisce on how God directly, and through others, has blessed them throughout the year. I think that is awesome!

Our family tradition during Thanksgiving

When our kids were little, we spent Thanksgiving in a very non-traditional way. We have no other family in the state and live only about an hour’s drive from Orlando. That means we are a short hop away from all the popular tourist attractions. Our tradition was to spend Thanksgiving Day at a theme park.  We would virtually have the place to ourselves as most people were home having a family meal and/or watching football. Now that our children are young adults and married themselves, our Thanksgivings are simply getting away with all of us together under one roof, and yes, eating turkey with all the fixings.

Regardless of how you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, the actual act of “thanksgiving” is a powerful gesture. Not only on one special occasion every year, but as an integral part of everyday life. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV, the Apostle Paul requests, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” When we give thanks we are being obedient to God. There is power in showing gratitude!

Power for the One You are Showing Gratitude to

Simply telling someone “thank you” can brighten their day. Try it and see! I don’t think I have ever told someone thank you and they responded with a scowl on their face. When you tell someone thank you, you are acknowledging not only their efforts, but their very existence. You are telling them that they were noticed and that their presence matters. By thanking them, you are speaking worth and value into their life. Not only that, but you are making them feel appreciated. That is powerful!There is not only power in gratitude for the recipient but also for the giver. Not only are you creating a better world for others, but you are creating better relationships for yourself. Share on X

Showing appreciation to others encourages them to do MORE thoughtful acts. By showing gratitude, you are encouraging a repeat action whereby someone else will be blessed. You are creating a better world by performing one simple act!

Power for the One Showing Gratitude

There is not only power in gratitude for the recipient but also for the giver. Not only are you creating a better world for others, but you are creating better relationships for yourself. If someone knows that you are grateful to them, they are apt to treat you more kindly in the future. It opens doors to building a deeper relationship. Not that you should be showing gratitude for what you will get in turn, but there is truth in the old adage, “you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”

While saying the words “thank you” is very important, actually BEING GRATEFUL is even more powerful. Acknowledging just how much you have to be thankful for helps you maintain a proper perspective. It is powerful when you realize just how much you are truly blessed. Replacing feelings of envy and resentment with an “attitude of gratitude” has shown to improve emotional and even physical health. It can overcome depression, protect from discouragement and help build self-esteem.

Why showing gratitude is important 

When you feel gratitude to someone, you are less likely to hold a grudge against them and/or harbor feelings of anger. Not only does this enhance your relationship but it shifts your focus from negative to positive and you are more apt to forgive. “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15 KJV). Now that is powerful!

Showing gratitude and appreciation for others is good manners. As followers of Christ it is what we are compelled to do. Quite simply, IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO! 

For ideas on how you can show gratitude to others that are simple, yet effective, read Truth That Inspires’ Seven Ways to Show Gratitude. The article gives suggestions for those closest to you, those you know casually, and even complete strangers. Some may be obvious, but others may be ways you’ve never thought about before. Check it out!

Jonsie Ivey and her husband, David, established Truth that Inspires LLC in 2018. Their mission is to encourage Christians in their daily walk, share the hope of Christ to those who don’t know Him, and provide a deeper understanding of Scripture. For more information about Jonsie and Truth That Inspires, visit their About Us page. 

Thank you for reading the latest guest post in our Power of Gratitude Series.  You can find the rest of the series in this compilation post called 6 Great Stories of the Power of Gratitude.  Be sure to check them out!