Week 1: The Power & Practice of Gratitude

November 3

  • Practicing gratitude is central to the Christian life.

  • Philippians 4:6

  • Colossians 3:15

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:18

  • Thankfulness and gratitude are a theme of the Bible and should be of our lives.

  • The power and practice of gratitude.

  • Philippians 4:6

  • Gratitude is exercising your memory to your heart's obedience.

  • When we say thank you to God, we remember the God of our past is also the God with us now.

  • Gratitude is powerful because it puts us in a different posture.

  • James 1:17

  • “Being ungrateful is the root of all sin.” - Ignatius of Antioch

  • The opposite of comparison is gratitude.

  • If you want to find joy, start by being thankful and enjoying what God has already given you.

[d]Group questions

  1. As a group, read Philippians 4:6 and James 1:17 together.

  2. This week’s challenge was to write and share 3 things a day you are thankful for. As a group, go around the room 3 times with each person sharing something they are thankful for but no one is allowed to repeat something that has already been said! It’s a fun way to share what everyone is thankful for.

  3. How does gratitude ground you in who God is and how have you seen its power in your own life?

  4. How have you seen comparison impact your gratitude?

  5. What are some ways you can “bring your eyes back to your table” and refocus on what you have?