Definition: The attitude of thankfulness, humility, and appreciation for the way God and others have benefited your life. This grateful attitude is expressed through the actions of your life. This attitude is cultivated as we realize and express how God and others have brought many benefits to our lives.

How to illustrate at the chapter meeting:

Ask, “Why do some of us have trouble expressing gratefulness?”

Allow some to respond to the question.

If we focus on how others have taken advantage of us, we will have trouble developing genuine gratefulness in our lives.

Fire Pit Discussion: Focus Group

1. Talk about the definition of gratefulness.

2. Illustrated in History: Both Abraham Lincoln and John Wesley were quick to attribute their success in their professions to the help and influence of others. Both attributed much of it to their mothers.

3. References in the Bible:

   a. Hebrews 12: 28

   b. Colossians 3:15 (be thankful or grateful)

   c. Paul started most of his letters in the New Testament by expressing gratefulness to the readers.

4. Illustrated in the life of Jesus:

   a. John 11: 41- 42

   b. John 17: This entire prayer is an expression of Jesus gratefulness to His Father for leading Him in His earthly ministry and His thankfulness and prayer for the disciples God had given Him.

5. Application: Who are the people in our lives to whom we need to express gratefulness? Wives, children, parents, workers, etc.

   a. (Bring so paper and pens) Write a short note to someone to whom you want to express gratefulness. Mail it this week.

   b. Now, keep doing it!!