Thankfulness

Read

James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Think

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others,” wrote Cicero. Think about that for a moment—gratitude isn’t just a virtue; it’s the foundation for how we see the world. When we recognize the gifts in our lives as coming from God, our perspective shifts. Suddenly, what felt ordinary becomes extraordinary.

Have you ever taken inventory of your blessings? The moments of joy, the friendships that sustain you, even the challenges that have shaped your faith—all of them flow from the unchanging goodness of God. James 1:17 reminds us that every good thing in our lives comes from above, not as random luck but as intentional love.

But gratitude can’t stop at recognition. True thankfulness demands action. When you realize how much you’ve been given, the natural response is to share. Maybe it’s giving your time to someone who’s lonely, offering your resources to meet a need, or simply telling someone about the hope you’ve found in Jesus. Gratitude opens your heart to generosity, and generosity can open someone else’s heart to God.

Think about it—what blessings are you holding tightly to? Your time, your talents, your finances? What if those gifts weren’t just meant for you? God gave you those gifts so you could reflect his goodness to others.

Take a moment today to thank God for the blessings in your life. Then, ask him to show you how to share them. Gratitude isn’t just about feeling thankful; it’s about living thankful. And when you live that way, your life becomes a beacon, pointing others to the ultimate gift: Jesus.

Apply

Ask God to help you live with open hands and a thankful heart, looking for ways to share his blessings with those around you.

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank you for every good and perfect gift you’ve poured into my life. Help me to recognize your blessings and share them with others so they can see your love. Teach me to live with a thankful heart and open hands, reflecting your generosity in all I do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.