Author: David Wilber
Have you ever asked God, “What is your will for my life?” If you have, you might be encouraged to know that Scripture already offers a direct (though often overlooked) answer to that question. As Paul writes to the believers in Thessalonica:
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
—1 Thessalonians 5:18
What is the will of God? That we give thanks in all circumstances. Not just in the happy circumstances, but in all of them. Scripture emphasizes this principle repeatedly. David declares, “I will bless the LORD at all times” (Ps. 34:1). Similarly, Paul urges believers not to be anxious but to bring everything before God “with thanksgiving” (Phil. 4:6), to be “giving thanks always” (Eph. 5:20), and to “devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Col. 4:2).
Gratitude ought to characterize our lives as believers. But why does it matter so much? Why does Scripture call us to give thanks in all circumstances?
Gratitude Honors God
One reason gratitude is so important is that it brings honor to God, and honoring God is the very purpose of our lives. As God declares through the Prophet Isaiah, “everyone who is called by my name…I created for my glory” (Isa. 43:7). When we give thanks to God, we acknowledge his goodness and glory, and this brings him honor.
Conversely, ingratitude dishonors God. In Romans 1:18–31, Paul depicts rebellious humanity as those who refuse to give thanks to God: “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him” (Rom 1:21). Ingratitude is a sign of a rebellious heart, and it provokes God’s wrath. For instance, when the Israelites complained about their hardships in the wilderness, Scripture says that God’s “anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp” (Num. 11:1; cf. Num 21:5–6). God does not take ingratitude lightly.
When we read about Israel’s time in the wilderness, we quickly see that they consistently struggled with ingratitude. Though they had just been rescued from slavery in Egypt and were on their way to the inheritance God promised, they did not give thanks but instead grumbled about nearly everything. They complained about being hungry, so God provided manna (Exod. 16:1–4). Soon after, they complained about the manna (Num. 11:3–6). They complained when they were thirsty (Exod. 17:1–4). They complained because they didn’t like Moses’s leadership (Num. 14:1–4). They complained about their discomfort and the food (Num. 21:5). On and on it goes.
It’s easy for us to judge the wilderness generation for being miserable grumps. But how often do we behave the same way? Like them, we frequently gripe about the very things we once prayed for. For instance, we pray for a job, and when God provides one, we complain: “This job is unfulfilling!” “My boss doesn’t appreciate me!” We pray for a spouse, and once married, we complain about our marriage: “He doesn’t help enough!” “She’s not a good cook!” Many of us long for a godly community, but when God gives us one, we complain about that too: “I don’t like the music.” “The teachings are boring.” Just like the wilderness generation, we often grumble about the very blessings God has given us. This attitude dishonors him.
Gratitude matters because it honors God. When we are ungrateful, we dishonor him.
Gratitude Honors Others
Another reason that gratitude is important is that it naturally leads us to treat others with kindness, while ingratitude often leads us to treat others with unkindness.
When we are grateful, we generally feel happier and more inclined toward humility and generosity. Consider someone who has just received a prestigious award and steps up to give an acceptance speech. Often in such a moment, gratitude overwhelms them, and they begin expressing appreciation to everyone who contributed to their success, from loyal supporters to a childhood art teacher who inspired them. Gratitude brings out a certain warmth and kindness in us.
However, when we are ungrateful, we’re more prone to feeling angry and frustrated. A man dissatisfied with his job may come home frustrated and take it out on others. He might be irritable toward his wife or lose patience with his children. Ingratitude breeds bitterness and unkindness.
How to Be Grateful
How do we resist the urge to complain and instead cultivate a life of gratitude? To answer that question, we must first understand why we struggle with ingratitude.
At the root of ingratitude is the belief that we deserve more or better than what we’ve been given. It is the belief that we are entitled to better things, better opportunities, a better life. Overcoming ingratitude, then, begins by recognizing that what we actually deserve is eternal condemnation (Rom. 3:9–20). Indeed, we should be grateful because God gives us the opposite of what we deserve. He gives us salvation, which Scripture calls a gift: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God” (Eph. 2:8).
You do not deserve anything good that you have. Salvation, above all, is something you could never deserve; it is God’s gracious gift. Your family is a gift. Your children, your faith community, your job—these are all gifts. And every good and perfect gift comes from the Father (James 1:17).
What are you supposed to say when someone gives you a gift? The proper response is “thank you.”
So, how do we cultivate a life of gratitude? It begins by recognizing that every good thing in our lives is an undeserved gift. When we start from that posture, gratitude begins to flow naturally. One practical way to build this awareness is to count our blessings—literally. Keep a list on your phone or in a journal and write down every undeserved gift in your life. As you do, you’ll begin to look at your life differently. You’ll begin to feel grateful for all the many blessings you don’t deserve.
About David Wilber
David Wilber is an author, Bible teacher, and CEO of Pronomian Publishing LLC. He has written several books and numerous theological articles, with his work appearing in outlets such as the Christian Post and the Journal of Biblical Theology. David has spoken at churches and conferences across the nation and has served as a researcher and Bible teacher for a number of Messianic and Christian ministries…