“Gratitude is more than an expression, it’s a posture.”
Luke 7:36–50 (NIV) 36 Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38 and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” 40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 41 “Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. 44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Postures that stifle Gratitude: 1. Pride “The proud analyze Jesus; the grateful adore Him.” 2. Greed 3. Negativity “Negativity comes out of those who have not nurtured an internal culture of gratitude.”
Practicing the posture of Gratitude. “Our posture of gratitude reveals the economy of our heart.”
Colossians 3:15–17 (NIV) 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
1. Allow Peace to Rule Colossians 3:15 (NIV) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... “Peace comes by yielding to the will of Jesus, rather than imposing your own will.”
2. Absorb the Word of Christ Colossians 3:16 (NIV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom...
3. Adore the Lord Colossians 3:16 (NIV) as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
Psalm 103:2–5 (NIV) 2 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
“In the practice of gratitude, we learn to find the melody in the moment.”
4. Apply the attitude of Gratitude. Colossians 3:17 (NIV) Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Romans 12:9-21 (NIV) 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. 17 Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. A. Sincere love B. Honor C. Fervency D. Generosity E. Grow with others F. Humility
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Luke 7:50(NIV) Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
