We have to be careful not to let our hearts drift to a place where we forget how God has kept us. It’s not hard to understand that those who reject our Heavenly Father or fail to honor Him don’t have a grateful heart for all that He’s done. But now, many believers are not giving Him the honor and gratitude that He so richly deserves. It seems as though a thankful heart has exited the stage and been replaced by an attitude of entitlement—wanting God’s goodies without the thankfulness that diligent stewardship requires. This is not going to help us achieve the kind of faith that yields the rewards we desire. God requires a heart that is overflowing with gratitude, and if we want to truly please Him, attaining this depth of spiritual maturity should be the focus of our prayers.
Faith and gratitude dominate the atmosphere of heaven, and for God’s children that are given the privilege to live on earth, a show of genuine gratitude is non-negotiable. There may be other things we might try to bargain with God about—but gratitude isn’t one of them. It’s essential.
Gratitude shows that we recognize God’s hand in our lives. It’s how we respond when we understand all that He does to bless us and keep our lives flowing with His goodness. We shouldn’t have to think too hard about this. Just turn on the news, and you’ll quickly be reminded of how much you have to thank God for.
Hebrews 12:28 (NLT) says, “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.” We’ve been given the free gift of salvation. That alone is enough to sustain not just a lifetime, but an eternity of thankfulness towards God. Jesus made sure we would never have to see hell. He chose to do that for us when He didn’t have to, and this should swell our hearts continually.
Think about times in your life when someone did something meaningful for you—not because you asked, but simply out of love. You probably still remember how grateful you felt. Now multiply that by eternity. That’s the level of gratitude we owe God.
John 3:16 (NLT) tells us, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” This is a love so deep that we would not reach the end of it even living 10 million lifetimes. It’s a love so rich that we can’t grasp it fully without the help of the Holy Spirit. He’s the One who helps us show our gratitude in a way that pleases the Father. We just have to ask Him and follow His guidance.
We owe our Heavenly Father infinitely more than we could ever owe anyone else. Our actions, thoughts, and emotions should acknowledge this wholeheartedly. When our mindset and attitude is far from this, we’re hurting ourselves. A lack of genuine gratitude toward God can actually block our blessings. It leaves no room—no landing strip—for greater things. God watches what we do with little to see if we’re ready for more. Without a thankful heart, we open the door to frustration and stagnation. And nobody wants to stay stuck—God didn’t create us for that.
Ephesians 4:15 (NLT) says, “Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” That’s God’s Will for us—to keep growing, to keep moving forward. So ask yourself honestly: Am I truly thankful for where God has brought me? Your continued growth and expansion depend on your answer. And if your heart isn’t there yet, don’t wait idly by. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you develop a heart that is overflowing with the kind of gratitude that honors God. He’s faithful to do it, and God will be pleased with your prayer. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Overflowing with Gratitude”, written by KLizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack, for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2025. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.