The Preparation of Gratitude

Introduction

The definition of gratitude is a natural expression of thanks in response to blessings, protection, or love. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, gratitude is not a tool used to manipulate the will of God. It is never coerced or fabricated in one’s mind; rather, gratitude is a joyful commitment of one’s personality to God according to the Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible.

As much as we celebrate thanksgiving with foods that tell the story of our history it’s important that we do not forget the words that make up the word Thanksgiving: Thanks and Giving.

In the NT the object of thanksgiving is the love of God expressed in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. There are so many things we should be thankful for. We should be thankful for the grace of God. 2 Corinthians 9:15 “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

The history of this holiday and the truth of this holiday does not align. To be quite honest it was one of the biggest displays of injustice that this world has ever witnessed. With that in mind, Christians should be the prime example of what it means to be thankful and what it means to be giving.

In the midst of remaining thankful, giving requires three things. It requires initiative, preparation and a positive attitude.

Preparing to Be Giving

The ability to give should be a priority of a churches ministry. The foundation of the church was built off of the strength of how people gave to one another.

Acts 2:44-45 “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”

They made preparations. This is what Paul is encouraging at this time.

Essentially this serves as a reminder, but this is not the first time that Apostle Paul has mentioned this concept:

1 Corinthians 16:1-4 “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me.”

The key word in this passage is willingness or readiness, how eager are you to give? Your eagerness is is a direct reflection of your preparation.

Understand that our preparation can be an example that can flow throughout the entire brotherhood! “about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.

Let us not forget the zeal we once had! Let us not forget that at one time we were excited about doing the work of the Lord, giving our time, giving our talents, giving our treasure!

Lack of preparation is an embarrassment, no matter how ready we once were we have to stay motivated to remain prepared even when times seem bleak.

Let’s Show Some Initiative

2 Corinthians 9:5 “Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.”

No matter the gift, it has to be prepared properly! God is not a last minute God with us nor should we be last minute with Him. He sent Jesus as a gift to mankind long before we were even on this earth! He knew what we needed like any great father!

When we do not show initiative it comes off as an obligation rather than an opportunity to be a blessing to the world!

Take advantage of this moment to be a blessing! The church nor God should never be taken advantage of. Christianity is not something we exploit!

Matthew 21:12-17 “Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?” Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and He lodged there.”

Our initiative that we show will be a reflection of who we attract!

A Positive Attitude Goes A Long Way

How can we say we love God and not show a thankful attitude about giving to Him what already belongs to Him in the first place.

Our attitude should be one of gratitude! What we reap is an indicator of what we have sown.

We have no one to blame but ourselves but the longer we refuse to hold ourselves accountable the harder it becomes to praise God with a giving spirit.

It’s not just about the transaction, it’s about a positive attitude and sincere participation. We have to understand that not only does the harvest come from God but if it was not for God we would not even have a seed to sow in the first place!

These tenets addressed in verse 7 circle back to a positive attitude! “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Glad or cheerful, “hilarós” to put in good spirits! Our attitude toward worship should make things better emotionally, spiritually, and financially for those around us. Our countenance is important as it pertains to what we offer unto God! Our countenance will prompt us to give our best or respond in a despondent way which will cause us not only to be negative but even hurt those around us who prioritize what they give to God! Cain’s issue was not solely that his brother prioritized what God blessed him with better but it was about the fact that he refused to hold himself accountable enough to do his best! His lack of effort and refusal to hold himself accountable led him to believe that getting rid of his brother was the best option.

When we do things out of obligation worship becomes a competition rather than a collaborative effort to make things better for the people around us.

Conclusion

When we understand the magnitude of what God has done for us we realize how unworthy we are but how grateful we should be! He did not have to send His son, He did not have to wake us up!

1 Peter 4:7-9 “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”

Proverbs 22:9 “He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor.”

Generosity begins and ends with our outlook and our attitude! Are you here out of obligation or are you here because you truly Love the LORD!

Imagine if Jesus has done what he did for us out of obligation or in a grudgingly way! When it comes to sacrifice you have to want to be great, you have to want to do the right thing regardless of understanding or knowing the outcome! When I have trust and faith to rely on God regardless of the circumstance I know the increase will work out in my favor according to my purpose!