GRATEFULNESS

Gratefulness is a feeling of deep and warm appreciation for kindness received, or gratitude or thankfulness. It can also be defined as an acknowledgment of having received something good from another person.  Some people just ain’t grateful. They think the world owes them a living. They believe everyone should be serving them and if they ain’t, then the complain about how mistreated they are. It’s always puzzled me how it pains some people to simply say thank you. They are perpetual VICTIMS!

Ole Ernest Lee was once rebuked by his boss for thanking one of his subordinates for doing a good job. “Don’t thank someone for doing what they are supposed to do,” the boss said. Ernest Lee was shocked- how insensitive and uncaring can you get?

But thanking people who are doing what they are supposed to be doing has benefits. Ernest Lee used to work with John Maxwell- yep that John Maxwell- and John says thanking people for doing their job has at least four benefits:

(1) Shows appreciation: Saying thank you shows that you appreciate the person’s time, generosity, and support. 

(2) Strengthens relationships: Thanking people can strengthen your professional and personal relationship. 

(3) Motivates people: Research shows that saying thank you motivates people to help others and to do a better job. 

(4) Improves morale: Employees feel valued when they are thanked, which can lead to lower turnover, less conflict, and more positive attitudes. 

But dealing with the ungrateful can be frustrating. When the ingrates don’t reciprocate or show appreciation, it can led to bitterness and conflict. When people don’t thank you, (1) reframe your feelings and recognize you didn’t do nice things for the recognition, (2) recognize the ungrateful may be going through some difficult times and that may be impacting their judgment, (3) acknowledge that God will handle it- both those who are ungrateful and the reward to those for doing nice things. The principle of sowing and reaping remains intact.

Believers are to be GRATEFUL! The Bible has many verses that emphasize the importance of being thankful. Here are five Bible verses about gratitude:

1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 100:4, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 3:15, Colossians 3:17

Is there someone in your life you need to thank? Have you neglected to be grateful to someone who did something for you? Do you take for granted people who regularly serve you? Don’t be an INGRATE! Be THANKFUL and GRATEFUL for them!