GRATITUDE

 

                                             GRATITUDE

 

      What is gratitude? How human show gratitude? Gratitude is the feeling of appreciation and thankfulness for what one has, whether tangible or intangible. It involves recognizing the good in one’s life and acknowledging that this goodness often comes from outside oneself. Cultivating gratitude can lead to increased happiness, improved relationships and overall well-being. Gratitude is a positive emotion that involves feeling thankful for the good things in one’s life. Gratitude, thankfulness or gratefulness is a feeling of appreciation by a recipient of another’s kindness. This kindness can be gifts, help, favours, or another form of generosity to another person. The word come from the Latin word “gratus” which means “pleasing” or “thankful”.

        In Bible, gratitude is more than saying “thank you”. It’s deep sense of appreciation and thankfulness for God’s blessing, both big and small and a recognition of His goodness and provision in all aspect of life. It involves acknowledging that our blessing come from God and expressing that thankfulness through worship prayer and act of service.

       The Bible teaches teach that all good things come from God and gratitude is a natural response to His grace and mercy. It’s a recognition that we are not self-sufficient and we depend on God for everything. Examples include giving thanks for food before meals as Jesus did and acknowledging God’s provision in times of need. The Old Testament features many examples of gratitude through God’s deliverance and provision. Psalms chapter 100 verse 4-5 says, for example, encourages entering God’s gates with thanksgiving.  In New Testament Jesus consistently demonstrates a thankful spirit, both publicly and privately. He emphasized the importance of prayers and actions. Philippians chapter 4 verse 6 instruct believers to present their request to God with thanksgiving. 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 18 instruct believers to give thanks in all circumstances. 

         But gratitude can be taken advantage of or become unhealthy if it's expected or demanded from others, used to manipulate or control, overly emphasized, leading to guilt or shame, directed towards toxic or harmful situation. Some potential pitfalls of gratitude include toxic positivity by overemphasizing gratitude can dismiss real struggle or emotions. Comparison by focusing on other blessings can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Obligation by feeling forced to be grateful can create resentment. Avoidance by using gratitude to avoid dealing with difficult emotions or issues.

        Gratitude can sometimes lead to conflict when expectations aren't met, different values or priorities clash. gratitude is expressed in ways that other don't appreciate and unresolved issues or resentments surface. When we feel gratitude to someone and we need to return that favour we must also see if that gratitude will not harm to others. we pay gratitude with responsivity to our action. If it gratitude can harm to many people be sensible. We must think each was best to many. It just not you show and pay gratitude and be ok if it can harm others. 

       Political gratitude was the scariest. Sometimes personal gratitude mixed with political gratitude can lead to manipulation and conflict of interest. As a government official you must think beyond the horizon. If someone done, you a favour or help you can show your gratitude towards them in but not in the way that you will agree to manipulate or be used by them for their personal motive. As a leader you must think what was best to your nation. To the people who trusted and respected but will happen to them if you betrayed your nation. Pay gratitude with integrity and won't bring shame to your ancestor. 

                  NOTHING IS IMPOSSILBE WITH A GRATEFUL HEART...