The Ripple Effect of Grateful Living

It’s true. Can you believe it? God assessed you and blessed you with all the responsibilities He’s assigned to you. Work, family and daily challenges can be overwhelming sometimes, but here is the good news. Even in the midst of these responsibilities, there is room for something transformative: grateful living with superlative gratitude.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

– Colossians 3:16 ESV

A lifestyle of gratitude can have a ripple effect beyond you. Imagine waking up and being thankful for another day, another opportunity. A positive attitude of gratitude can affect how you interact with your family all day. They, in turn, go into their day encouraged by your interaction and carry that same positive energy. It doesn’t stop there; your gratitude extends to your workspace, the grocery store and even the quick, socially-distanced chats with neighbors. The ripple continues, reaching wider than you can see or even comprehend.

Thankfulness in your heart produces a communal blessing that enriches everyone it touches.

The Apostle Paul encourages us to dwell in the wisdom of Christ, not superficially but richly. This richness infuses interactions with a depth of gratitude. Your grateful living doesn’t just uplift you; it teaches and admonishes others. It creates a harmonious atmosphere where psalms, hymns and spiritual songs can thrive.

You can set off a ripple of gratitude and positive change in your community and beyond. Gratitude can convert ordinary opportunities into blessings, drawing out the best in you and those around you. God has poured out His favor on you and given you the opportunity to bless others.

Today’s One Thing

Pray through Colossians 3:16 and thank God for another opportunity to encourage yourself and others. Throughout the day, do your best to give at least three genuine compliments or words of encouragement to people around you. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly.”

Go Deeper

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