Things Happen When We’re Grateful

by Nov 25, 2018Be Rich 2018, Sermon

We’ve seen what can happen when our church gives and serves and loves. We influence our surrounding region in profound ways. But we change too. We get influenced by our own acts of generosity and kindness toward others. But there’s another practice that can literally change our perspective and affect the way we live. We can be people who are rich in gratitude!

Discussion Questions

Gratitude is simple but not so easy. Why are some people very thankful and others are not? What are the biggest obstacles to gratitude? How about in your own life?

What thoughts and feelings do you have when you encounter someone who is continually grateful? Describe a person who is ungrateful. How does ingratitude affect others?

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18. What does it mean to give thanks in everything?

Take a few minutes to practice gratitude by highlighting those things for which you are most grateful. Make sure you include the things you might easily overlook.

Notice the emphasis on thanksgiving in the Psalms (35:18, 69:30, 75:1, 79:13, 92:1-2, 105:1, 106:1). How does a person practice gratitude so that it becomes a natural part of a daily routine?

During our Be Rich series, we’ve been privileged to cooperate with God as we gave and served and loved. Take a few minutes to thank God for the privilege of contributing and serving with others in our church.

Why does God want to use people to help people? How can our church continue to influence our surrounding communities?

Things Happen When We Love

One of the last things Jesus told his disciples was that they should love one another the way he loved them. It sounds really good, and it is. But how did Jesus love his disciples, and what does that mean for how we love others? Great things happen when we love....

Things Happen When We Serve

Typically, we serve when we are made aware of a need. However, we can easily go through life without ever seeing the people who need love and kindness right in front of us. But when we intentionally and prayerfully resist the myriad of distractions and reach out to...

Things Happen When We Give

It seems like money is an obsession in our culture. Whether it’s lottery winners or superstars with giant contracts, many people are fascinated by those who “have it all.” Our view of money says a lot about us. And God’s view of money says a lot about God. While money...