Valuing Each Other: Growing Gratitude in Relationships

Devotional

Day 1: Valuing Family Relationships

God calls us to honor our parents and value our family relationships, not just in childhood but throughout our lives, recognizing that gratitude grows as we cherish and respect one another in our families. Honoring our parents and loving our neighbors as ourselves is a lifelong calling, and as we mature, our relationships shift from obedience to honor, reflecting God’s design for family. Even in complicated or “nutty” family trees, we are invited to find ways to honor and be grateful for one another, setting appropriate boundaries and cherishing the unique connections God has given us. When we value our families rightly, we reflect God’s heart and open ourselves to deeper gratitude and joy. [49:52]

Matthew 19:19 (ESV): “Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Reflection: Is there a family member you need to intentionally honor or express gratitude to this week, even if your relationship is complicated? What is one practical way you can do this today?

Day 2: Speaking the Truth in Love

Healthy relationships grow when we learn to speak the truth in love, balancing honesty with compassion, and recognizing that we are all people in process who need both grace and truth. Living in this tension—between God’s call to holiness and His call to mercy—allows us to be grateful for others, even as we help each other grow. Whether in family, friendships, or church, gratitude flourishes when we express appreciation for one another while also being willing to lovingly address what needs to be said, always seeking maturity in Christ. [55:00]

Ephesians 4:15 (ESV): “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear both your appreciation and your honest, loving feedback? How can you approach them this week with both truth and grace?

Day 3: Giving Thanks for All People

Gratitude is not limited to those who are easy to love; God invites us to give thanks for all people in our lives—including those who serve, protect, and even those who challenge us. We are called to look for the helpers, to thank God for veterans, first responders, and those who serve in unseen ways, as well as to stretch our gratitude to those who may be difficult. As we practice this, our hearts expand, and we begin to see God’s beauty and purpose in every relationship, even the challenging ones. [01:02:46]

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (ESV): “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Reflection: Who is one “difficult” person or unsung helper in your life you can thank God for today? Can you find a way to express your gratitude to them this week?

Day 4: Letting Gratitude Transform Your Perspective

The more we practice gratitude, the more beauty we see in the world and in others, even in the midst of life’s frustrations and challenges. Gratitude is a muscle that grows as we exercise it, and as we lead ourselves and our families in daily practices of thankfulness, we open our eyes to God’s goodness all around us. Whether it’s through sharing daily highs and lows, or simply pausing to notice God’s hand at work, gratitude transforms our outlook and helps us see the loveliness in people and situations we might otherwise overlook. [01:11:25]

Philippians 4:8 (ESV): “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

Reflection: What is one ordinary moment or person today where you can intentionally look for and name the beauty or goodness God is showing you?

Day 5: Grateful for God’s Presence Above All

Of all the relationships and blessings in life, none compare to knowing God Himself, who loves us, pursues us, and is our living hope. All our achievements and possessions pale in comparison to the gift of being loved by Jesus, who laid down His life for us and desires that we would both glorify and enjoy Him forever. As we grow in gratitude for God’s mercy and presence, we find our hearts transformed, our burdens lifted, and our lives anchored in hope that never fails. [01:13:26]

Philippians 3:8 (ESV): “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.”

Reflection: How can you set aside time today to simply enjoy God’s presence and express your gratitude to Him—not for what He gives, but for who He is?

Sermon Summary

Today we gathered as a family of faith to celebrate the gift of community, the joy of worship, and the deep value of gratitude—especially as we approach Thanksgiving. Our time together was filled with reminders that it is not what we have in life, but who we have, that truly matters. We reflected on the importance of valuing each other, beginning with our closest relationships—our families. Scripture calls us to honor our parents, to cherish our spouses, and to nurture our children, not just in obedience but in mutual respect and love as we all grow and change. These relationships are not always simple or straightforward, but God invites us to see their worth and to cultivate gratitude even in the midst of complexity.

We also took time to honor those who serve—our veterans, first responders, and helpers in every walk of life. Their willingness to give of themselves for the good of others is a living example of sacrificial love, and we are called to recognize and give thanks for their presence among us. Sometimes, gratitude is easy when relationships are smooth, but we are also challenged to find thankfulness for those who are difficult, trusting that God can use even these connections to shape our hearts.

Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians remind us to give thanks for one another continually, not just for what people do, but for who they are and how they receive and respond to God’s word. True joy, as Paul describes, is not rooted in circumstances but in the supernatural delight that comes from God and from being part of His people. Gratitude is not just a feeling but a practice—a muscle that grows as we exercise it, both in words and in actions.

Above all, we are reminded that the greatest relationship we have is with God Himself. All our achievements and possessions pale in comparison to knowing Christ, who loved us enough to lay down His life for us. God’s desire is not only that we glorify Him but that we enjoy Him, living in the tension of holiness and love. As we continue to grow in gratitude, may we see more beauty in the world and in each other, and may our hearts overflow with thankfulness for the One who is our living hope.

Key Takeaways

1. Value relationships over possessions The true measure of a rich life is not found in what we own, but in the people God has placed around us. Family, friends, and community are gifts to be cherished, even when relationships are complicated or imperfect. When we intentionally value others, we cultivate a heart of gratitude that transforms our perspective and deepens our joy. [46:00]
2. Practice gratitude in the midst of tension Honoring and loving others often means living in the tension between truth and grace. We are called to speak the truth in love, to forgive, and to be patient with one another as we all grow. Gratitude grows when we accept that everyone—including ourselves—is a work in progress, and we choose to see God’s hand at work in the process. [58:12]
3. Give thanks for those who serve and sacrifice Veterans, first responders, and everyday helpers reflect Christ’s sacrificial love in tangible ways. Recognizing and honoring their service is an act of gratitude that reminds us of the value of selfless giving. Their example challenges us to look for opportunities to serve and to appreciate those who quietly make a difference. [60:05]
4. Let gratitude become a daily practice Gratitude is not just a feeling but a discipline that must be exercised. Whether through family traditions, spoken words, or acts of kindness, making gratitude a regular part of our lives opens our eyes to beauty and goodness we might otherwise miss. As we practice thankfulness, we become more aware of God’s presence and provision. [69:29]
5. Remember that God is our greatest gift All relationships and blessings flow from the love of God, who desires both our worship and our joy. Knowing Christ surpasses every other achievement or possession, and our gratitude finds its deepest expression in response to His grace and faithfulness. As we grow in thankfulness for Him, we are transformed from the inside out. [72:08]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[20:50] - Announcements and Giving Opportunities
[21:31] - Linger Longer & Family Meeting
[22:11] - Upcoming Christmas Concert
[22:49] - Thanksgiving Community Gatherings
[24:06] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[26:23] - Joy in the House of the Lord
[29:16] - Run to the Father
[34:55] - Living Hope Worship
[41:13] - Prayer of Thanksgiving
[44:40] - Series Introduction: Gratitude
[46:00] - Valuing Family Relationships
[53:41] - Speaking the Truth in Love
[58:52] - Honoring Veterans and Helpers
[62:46] - Advanced Gratitude: Difficult People
[64:05] - Thanksgiving in Thessalonians
[68:45] - Expressing and Practicing Gratitude
[72:08] - The Greatest Relationship: Knowing God
[75:02] - Closing Worship and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 19:19 (ESV) — > "Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Ephesians 5:2 (ESV) — > "And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (ESV) — > "We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 19:19, what two relationships does Jesus highlight as important, and how does He say we should treat them?
In Ephesians 5:2, what example does Paul give for how we should love others?
In 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, what are the specific things Paul gives thanks for when he remembers the Thessalonian believers?
The sermon mentioned that valuing people is more important than valuing possessions. What are some examples the pastor gave of relationships we should value? [[46:00]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus connects honoring parents with loving your neighbor as yourself? How might these two commands be related in daily life?
The pastor said that family relationships can be “complicated or complex,” but God still calls us to honor and value them. What does it look like to honor someone even when the relationship is difficult? [[49:52]]
Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians are full of gratitude for the people, not just for what they do, but for who they are. Why is it important to be thankful for people themselves, not just their actions? [[01:04:05]]
The sermon talked about living in the “tension between truth and grace.” What does it mean to speak the truth in love, and why is this tension important for gratitude to grow? [[55:00]]

Application Questions

Think about your closest relationships—family, friends, or church community. Is there someone you have taken for granted? What is one specific way you can show them they are valued this week? [[46:00]]
The pastor mentioned that gratitude is a “muscle” that grows as we exercise it. What is one daily or weekly practice you could start (or restart) to help gratitude become a regular part of your life? [[01:09:29]]
Are there people in your life who are difficult to be thankful for? What is one step you can take to see God’s hand at work in those relationships, or to pray for a heart of gratitude toward them? [[01:02:46]]
The sermon encouraged us to honor and thank those who serve—veterans, first responders, and helpers. Who is someone in your life or community who serves others? How can you express your appreciation to them this week? [[01:00:05]]
The pastor shared a family tradition of sharing a “pit, peak, and sparkle” at meals. Is there a gratitude tradition or habit you could start in your home or with friends? What would it look like? [[01:10:05]]
The sermon said, “The more grateful I am, the more beauty I see.” Can you think of a recent time when gratitude helped you notice something good you might have missed otherwise? How can you look for beauty this week, even in ordinary or stressful moments? [[01:11:25]]
Above all, the pastor reminded us that knowing God is our greatest gift. How does remembering God’s love and presence help you stay grateful, even when life is hard? [[01:12:08]]

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