“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it”. By William Arthur Ward. 

And what does Gratitude mean? And to whom shall we be grateful to? For the secular worldview and according to the Oxford Dictionary it is defined as: “The quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. And in the biblical worldview according to the Holman Biblical Dictionary it is defined as: “thanksgiving is a natural element of Christian worship” 

One form of gratitude that we shall all be practicing is that of giving thanks in response to God’s blessing over lives. 

Psalm 145:10

 “All you have made will praise you, O” Lord your saints will extol you.” 

The Psalmist David valued a song of thanksgiving more than offering sacrifice. Many of David’s Psalms are of offering gratitude to his maker. David gave praise in good and bad days. 

Psalm 69:30

 “I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving”. 

Why is expressing gratitude an initiative-taking action that produces positive results for the person giving it? Because Gratitude is a catalyst in changing a negative situation into one of blessings. It is much more than just expressing it; it changes your whole outlook and perspective of the world. 

The feeling of gratitude acknowledges the goodness in our own lives and expresses how we are satisfied with what we have. Another way is by recognition of the one who has given us life, our creator. These are important factors to remember. Another trait of gratitude is through practice when we express it towards others in goodwill. This is a healthy emotion that helps increase our own wellbeing.

 These days; gratitude has been replaced by unnecessary anger, resentment, and other negative emotions because we have forgotten to reciprocate it or receive it. Gratitude has a cohesive function in healthy relationships because it allows for the other person to feel appreciated and in response express gratitude back as a blessing. 

Today, I am so grateful for living the life I have, the family I am surrounded with, and the love I encounter from others every day. I thank God for giving me the chance to experience all that I have experienced and will be experiencing in time to comes. And lastly, for helping me improve and become better. Be encouraged today and express Him Gratitude.

By Claribel Coreano, Transformational Life Coach