*Today’s Scriptures
*Luke 7:36-50; Psalm 103:1-12; I Thessalonians 5:16-18; Romans 12:1*
The ABC’s of Gratitude
“It is simply not possible to be simultaneously grateful and resentful.” —Brennon Manning
READ TOGETHER**
36 Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.
37 And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume,
38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume.
39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.”
40 And Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he replied, “Say it, Teacher.”
41 “A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
42 When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.”
44 Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
45 You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet.
46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume.
47 For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.”
48 Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.”
49 Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?”
50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” —Luke 7:36-50 NASB
Gratitude is an
18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. —I Thessalonians 5:18 NASB
Gratitude is a
“Joy doesn’t make you grateful, gratitude makes you joyful.” —Charles Swindoll
Galatians 5:19-23: Compare and contrast the deeds of the flesh versus the fruit of the Spirit.
Gratitude is a
“Unexpressed gratitude communicates ingratitude, and may indicate an inflated view of self.” —Andy Stanley
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
6 The Lord performs righteous deeds
And judgments for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the sons of Israel.
8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
9 He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us. —Psalm 103:1-12 NASB
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. —Romans 12:1
Discuss in a Life Group
Discuss the difference between gratitude and thankfulness.
Which fruit of the Spirit is most closely related to gratitude in your opinion?
Are we able to display an attitude of gratitude without the assistance of the Holy Spirit?
After reading Psalm 103 together, which of David’s reasons for gratitude speaks most into your life? In what ways do you need to show more gratitude to God?
Why is it important to express gratitude to God in times of pain as well as victory?
Personal reflection: make a journal of things you are grateful for, and that you need to express to God. Spend time praising Him for His greatness.
Pray Together
Pray for each other and record any prayer requests here.