Life today moves so fast that we often focus on problems and what’s missing. But learning to be thankful—what we call “thanksliving”—can change how we see life and how we connect with others. The Bible teaches us to be thankful in every situation. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, it says, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” This reminds us that gratitude isn’t just for happy moments. It’s something we practice all the time, even when life gets tough.
Thanksliving means looking for the good in every situation, even when things are hard. This doesn’t mean pretending problems don’t exist. Instead, it’s about noticing what’s good alongside the hard stuff. For example, someone who is sick might feel thankful for the care and love of their family. Or someone struggling with money might be grateful for friends who stand by them.
To practice thanksliving, we need to train ourselves to notice the positives. This can make a big difference in these areas of life:
Relationships: Focusing on what we appreciate about the people we love can strengthen our connections. For example, Ephesians 4:29 reminds us to use words that build others up. Being thankful for the good in others can help us handle conflicts with more patience.
Parenting: Noticing and encouraging the good things our children do can help them grow and feel confident. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go.” Thankfulness creates a home where kids feel supported and loved.
Community: Recognizing the good work others do in our neighborhoods and churches can inspire kindness and teamwork. Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let us think about how to encourage one another to love and do good works.”
Gratitude doesn’t always come naturally—it takes effort. One way to build this habit is to think about the good things in your life and say “thank you” often. Over time, this can help us see the world in a better way. It can also help us feel more joy, even when life is challenging. When we live with gratitude, we can face life’s struggles with more strength. Psalm 136:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Gratitude helps us remember that God is always with us.
Join Pastor Chris and Pastor Sean on November 24 and December 1 as we focus on how to live with “ThanksLiving.”
