How can we practically express gratitude for God's grace in our lives? The surpassing grace that grips us “ And in their prayers for you, they will yearn for you because of the surpassing grace God has given you.” (2 Corinthians 9:14) Paul reminds the Corinthians—and us—that God’s grace is “surpassing.” It overwhelms every deficit and fills every need. Gratitude, then, is never abstract; it flows out in tangible ways. gratitude shown by generous giving • 2 Corinthians 9 (the whole chapter) anchors thanksgiving in material generosity. • When we share resources, we echo God’s own liberality (v. 8). • Practical steps: – Plan a percentage of income for gospel work and benevolence. – Look for spontaneous needs God brings across your path. – Give anonymously when possible (Matthew 6:3-4). gratitude shown through intercessory prayer • Paul ties “prayers” and “yearning” to grace (v. 14). • Praying for others keeps us mindful that grace is communal, not private. • Ideas: – Keep a simple prayer list of missionaries, church members, neighbors. – Send a note or text: “I thanked God for you today.” – Turn thanksgiving into petition: “Lord, the same grace You showed me, pour on them” (Ephesians 3:14-19). gratitude shown in joyful worship • “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). • Singing, testimony, and public reading of Scripture embody thanksgiving. • Incorporate: – A daily “grace song” playlist. – Speaking aloud one reason for gratitude at family meals. – Attending corporate worship with the intent to encourage at least one person (Colossians 3:16). gratitude shown by daily obedience • Romans 12:1 calls us to present our bodies “as a living sacrifice.” Obedience is gratitude with skin on. • Practical moves: – Submit personal plans to God each morning. – Let grace motivate purity: “For the grace of God… trains us to renounce wickedness” (Titus 2:11-12). – Celebrate small victories; each act of obedience answers, “Lord, thank You.” gratitude shown through humble service • Jesus washed feet (John 13:3-17) as a living parable of grace received, grace given. • Serve where gifts and needs intersect: – Teach children, visit shut-ins, mentor a new believer. – Keep service low-profile; the Father who sees in secret rewards openly (Matthew 6:4). – Remember that no task is beneath the one saved by crucified grace. gratitude shown in persistent thanksgiving • “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Cultivate habits: – A gratitude journal: three specific mercies noted daily. – Pause at every answered prayer to say aloud, “Thank You, Lord” (Luke 17:15-18). – End each day by recalling where grace was evident—then rest. Grace received is grace expressed. By giving, praying, worshiping, obeying, serving, and constantly thanking, we live out the surpassing grace God has poured into us, letting the world see the gratitude that naturally flows from hearts captured by Him. |
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