08/15/2021: True Virtue: Week 4
GRATITUDE
Part of True Virtue
August 15, 2021

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TEACHING NOTES

Virtue / Aretē
Excellence in thought, feeling or action…a particular moral excellence

Gratitude: the quality of being deeply appreciative of kindness; thankful

Why should our lives be filled with more gratitude? Because gratitude:
opens the door to more relationships
improves physical health
enables better sleep
enhances empathy and reduces aggression
improves self esteem
increases mental strength

Rejoice in Greek: Chairo…to be glad

Anxious in Greek: Merimna…to be drawn in or pulled in different directions

Thanksgiving in Greek: Eucharista

Peace in Greek: Eirene…tranquility, harmony, accord, safety.

GRATITUDE is the gateway to PEACE

Chairo…Charis…GRACE

Gratitude is a direct reflection of the grace that God has given us

Gratitude is the gateway to peace because it reflects the grace of God

TALK IT OVER

INTRODUCTION
Negativity and complaining go hand in hand…or hand in glove as it were. When we focus on the negative, we find ourselves constantly complaining. We can choose to live more excellently and practice the virtue of gratitude.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Have you felt like complaining about anything recently? If so, what?
2. How often do you find yourself complaining? How do you think complaining or negative thinking affects you?
3. Blake mentioned several benefits of gratitude. Have you ever personally experienced any of those benefits? What kind of difference did gratitude make in your life?
4. Read Philippians 4:4-7. How would your life be different if your heart and mind were always guarded by God’s peace?
5. What is something you are grateful for right now?
6. How can you start practicing gratitude this week?

MOVING FORWARD
Our gratitude towards God and others is a direct reflection of the grace that Jesus has given us. This week discover ways you can show your gratitude to those around you and towards God.

CHANGING YOUR MIND

Rejoice in the Lord, always, again I will say rejoice! —Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

NEXT STEPS
• Pray and ask God where you need to a greater level of gratitude.
• Consider how you can honor God and others by serving on Sunday mornings or on Wednesday afternoon for Breakout or Wednesday nights for our youth ministries.
• Get involved in a Community Group as they launch this fall.