Gratitude in the Church: A Path to Unity and Strength

Devotional

Day 1: Gratitude as a Posture of Spiritual Survival

Gratitude is not just a polite response or a fleeting feeling; it is a spiritual posture that empowers believers to face challenges and adversity with resilience and faith. When difficulties arise, choosing to thank God—just as Daniel did even when threatened—shifts our focus from fear to trust, reminding us that God is present and able to deliver. This kind of gratitude is an act of spiritual survival, anchoring us in God’s faithfulness and sustaining us through trials. [35:24]

Daniel 6:10 (ESV)
"When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously."

Reflection: When facing a difficult situation this week, how can you intentionally pause to thank God in the midst of it, trusting Him to sustain you rather than letting fear or negativity take over?

Day 2: Gratitude as a Declaration of Spiritual Hope

Expressing gratitude, especially in hard times, is a bold declaration of hope and faith in God’s promises. Even when circumstances seem bleak, remembering God’s steadfast love and faithfulness—like Jeremiah did in Lamentations—reminds us that His mercies are new every morning. Gratitude in these moments is not denial of hardship, but a proclamation that God’s goodness will prevail and that hope is found in seeking Him. [37:04]

Lamentations 3:22-25 (ESV)
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.' The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him."

Reflection: Think of a current challenge or uncertainty in your life—how can you use gratitude as a way to declare your hope in God’s faithfulness today?

Day 3: Gratitude as a Position of Spiritual Power

True gratitude requires humility, recognizing that every good thing comes from God and not from our own efforts. When we shift the focus from ourselves to God’s will and power, we tap into a spiritual strength that enables us to be content and empowered in every circumstance. This humble gratitude, as Jesus taught in the Lord’s Prayer and Paul modeled in Philippians, positions us to receive God’s strength and to live with contentment regardless of our situation. [42:12]

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)
"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you tend to rely on your own strength or take credit for success? How can you practice humble gratitude and invite God’s power into that area today?

Day 4: Gratitude Expressed Through Action

Gratitude is not meant to remain a private feeling; it is meant to be expressed through tangible actions—praising God, encouraging others, serving, giving, and doing life together. Scripture calls us to give thanks in all circumstances and to build each other up, making gratitude a daily practice that strengthens the church and blesses those around us. When we act on our gratitude, we become conduits of God’s love and grace in our community. [52:33]

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: Who is one person in your church or community you can encourage or serve today as an expression of your gratitude to God?

Day 5: Shifting from “Me” to “We” in Gratitude

Gratitude flourishes when we move beyond self-focus and embrace the blessings of community, recognizing and appreciating the people God has placed around us. When we take inventory of those who have influenced our faith, take note of present blessings, and take action to express thanks, we foster unity and strength in the church. This shift from “me” to “we” transforms gratitude into a powerful force that draws us closer to God and to one another. [30:05]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Who are three people in your church family you are grateful for, and how can you intentionally express your appreciation to them this week?

Sermon Summary

Gratitude is far more than a polite word or a fleeting feeling—it is a spiritual force that shapes our lives, our church, and our relationship with God. As we gathered today, I invited everyone, especially our children, to reflect on what we are truly grateful for in our church family. This exercise is not just about listing blessings, but about cultivating a posture of gratitude that transforms how we see God, each other, and the world around us.

Gratitude is powerful because it shifts our focus from ourselves to the community God has placed us in. When we move from “me” to “we,” we begin to see the church not as a building or a set of programs, but as a living, breathing family where God’s presence is experienced through relationships, service, and worship. This shift is essential for unity, discipleship, and mission. It’s easy to take for granted the people who serve, the leaders who guide, and the friends who encourage us. But when we intentionally express gratitude, we build up the body and strengthen the bonds that hold us together.

Spiritually, gratitude is a posture of survival, hope, and power. Like Daniel, who gave thanks to God even when threatened, we are called to let gratitude anchor us in difficult times. Gratitude is not just for the good days; it is a declaration of hope when circumstances are hard, a way of saying, “God, I trust You even when I can’t see the outcome.” It is also a position of power, because when we humble ourselves and give God the glory, we tap into His strength rather than relying on our own.

Practically, living out gratitude means taking inventory of God’s faithfulness in the past, taking note of His blessings in the present, and taking action to express thanks in tangible ways. This includes praising God daily, encouraging others, serving in ministry, giving generously, joining life groups, and praying for our church family. Each act of gratitude is a seed that grows into deeper community and greater impact. As we do this together, we become a church marked by joy, resilience, and love—a place where God’s goodness is evident to all.

Key Takeaways

1. Gratitude Shifts Focus from Me to We When we intentionally practice gratitude, our perspective moves from self-centeredness to community. This shift is vital for unity and spiritual health, as it reminds us that church is not about individual preferences but about building up one another in love. Expressing thanks for others’ contributions fosters a culture where everyone feels valued and connected. [27:12]
2. Gratitude is a Posture of Spiritual Survival Gratitude is not just a pleasant feeling; it is a spiritual discipline that sustains us in adversity. Like Daniel, who gave thanks even under threat, we are called to anchor ourselves in gratitude when facing challenges. This posture empowers us to endure hardship with faith, trusting that God’s goodness will prevail even when circumstances are difficult. [31:07]
3. Gratitude Declares Our Spiritual Hope Expressing gratitude, especially in hard times, is a declaration that our hope is in God and not in our circumstances. It is an act of faith that says, “I believe God’s faithfulness endures, even when I cannot see it.” This kind of gratitude shapes our outlook, helping us to persevere and to encourage others to do the same. [35:51]
4. Gratitude Requires Humility and Action True gratitude is rooted in humility—it acknowledges that every good thing comes from God, not from our own efforts. It also requires action: praising God, encouraging others, serving, giving, and praying. Gratitude that remains unexpressed is incomplete; it must overflow into tangible acts that bless others and honor God. [39:20]
5. Gratitude Builds a Resilient and Joyful Church When gratitude becomes our way of life, our church becomes stronger, more joyful, and more attractive to others. It enables us to weather challenges together, to celebrate God’s work in our midst, and to invite others into a community marked by love and generosity. [44:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[18:39] - Opening Prayer and Gratitude for Children
[20:07] - Welcoming Guests and Online Community
[21:06] - Reflecting on Church Gratitude
[22:22] - The Drift of Ingratitude
[24:09] - Expanding the Meaning of Gratitude
[25:08] - Gratitude and the Church Community
[27:12] - From Me to We: The Power of Gratitude
[31:07] - Gratitude as Spiritual Survival
[35:51] - Gratitude as Spiritual Hope
[39:20] - Humility and Spiritual Power
[44:01] - Taking Inventory: Remembering God’s Faithfulness
[49:01] - Taking Note: Present Blessings
[52:07] - Taking Action: Living Out Gratitude
[53:15] - Encouraging, Serving, and Giving
[56:43] - Opportunities to Serve and Impact
[58:34] - Meeting Needs in Our Community
[60:04] - Giving as an Act of Gratitude
[62:06] - Doing Life Together in Groups
[63:32] - Praying for the Church and Leadership
[64:30] - Closing Worship and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Daniel 6:10 (ESV) — > When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.

Lamentations 3:22-23, 25 (ESV) — > The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ... The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV) — > Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Observation Questions

According to Daniel 6:10, what did Daniel do after he learned about the law that threatened his life? What stands out about his response?
In Lamentations 3:22-23, what does Jeremiah say about God’s love and faithfulness, even in the middle of suffering?
The sermon described gratitude as more than just a feeling or a polite word. What are some of the practical ways the pastor said we can express gratitude in the church? [[52:07]]
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:18 command us to do, and what does it say about God’s will for us?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Daniel continued to give thanks to God even when it put him in danger? What does this show about the role of gratitude in difficult times? [[35:00]]
The sermon said that gratitude is a “posture of spiritual survival.” What does it mean for gratitude to help us survive spiritually, especially when things are hard? [[31:07]]
How does expressing gratitude shift our focus from “me” to “we” in the church? Why is this shift important for unity and spiritual health? [[27:12]]
The pastor mentioned that gratitude requires humility and action. Why is humility necessary for true gratitude, and what happens if we only feel grateful but never act on it? [[39:20]]

Application Questions

The pastor challenged everyone to write down three things they are grateful for about the church and three people they are thankful for. What would be on your list, and have you told those people lately? [[30:05]]
Think about a time when you faced a tough situation. Did you find it hard or easy to be grateful? How might practicing gratitude in those moments change your outlook or your faith? [[35:51]]
The sermon talked about taking inventory of God’s faithfulness in the past and taking note of present blessings. What is one way you can remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness this week? [[44:30]]
The pastor said that gratitude should lead to action—like praising God, encouraging others, serving, giving, and praying. Which of these actions comes most naturally to you, and which one is hardest? What is one step you can take this week to grow in the area that’s hardest? [[52:07]]
How can you help build a culture of gratitude in your life group or in the church? Is there someone you can encourage or thank this week in a specific way? [[54:35]]
The sermon mentioned that gratitude helps us move from focusing on ourselves to focusing on the community. Is there a way you can serve or give this month that would help someone else feel valued and connected? [[58:34]]
The pastor encouraged everyone to pray for the church and its leaders. How can you make praying for your church family a regular part of your week? [[01:03:32]]

Sermon Clips

Gratitude helps eliminate a lot of that. Because, and I'm going to put this and say this a couple of times during the message, gratitude grows and helps us when we take the focus from me to we. Gratitude grows and helps do amazing things when we take the attitude from me to we. And that's what we need to be looking at today and what we need to be thinking about. [00:26:46] (29 seconds) #FromMeToWe

Gratitude, the second thing that I think is super important, is that gratitude is a declaration of our spiritual hope. What is faith? Faith is being sure of what we hope for, certain of what we do not see. It's what we've learned. That's the verse that always comes to our mind. And so we see here that gratitude is a declaration of spiritual hope. [00:35:51] (24 seconds) #PraiseThroughChallenges

When we give him that spot in our life, who's sitting on the throne? Not me, the king, giving all praise and honor and glory to me for whatever God accomplished. We're tapping into a spiritual power that only he can give us when he sits on the throne. So maybe take that verse a little bit and make it personal for you today. Your kingdom come, your will be done in David, in Susan, in Scott, in me. As it also is in heaven. And so God, just as you sit on the throne here, I want you to sit on the throne in my life. [00:41:00] (42 seconds) #StrongerTogetherInGratitude

Gratitude is also in doing life together. And one of the biggest ways that we can do that is through your life groups. Show gratitude by getting plugged into a group. God has blessed you with them. We are not a church with groups. We are a church of groups. And that runs everything that we do around here. And so when you plug in, you are showing gratitude to God when you choose to do life with other people. [01:02:02] (29 seconds) #ItIsAboutTheWe

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