Article May 16, 1994 Issue

The benefits of gratitude

Many employers offer fringe benefit programs, but none of them can equal the rewards of having a grateful heart.

Jean S. Branch

How very natural it is for us to express gratitude when a gift has been given us, a loved one is nearby, or perhaps a bit of good news has been shared. But is it equally natural and effortless to feel gratitude in our hearts when a difficult economic condition or relationship tempts us to feel depressed, critical, or resentful? It may not be easy, but it is possible it and necessary because it opens our eyes to God's goodness, already at work in our lives.

The Bible provides many accounts of the prophets and apostles encouraging the people to be thankful—to pray, and to praise God for His great goodness and abundant care. The book of Psalms gives us this verse of thanksgiving: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits" (103:2). This psalm enables us to discover the wonderful, eternal benefits given you and me each moment. The benefits derived from sincere, heartfelt prayer to our Father-Mother God, the parent Mind of all, are priceless.

Meekness, joy, honesty, wisdom, spiritual love, and full faith in God were evident in Christ Jesus' life. He was showing us what is possible for mankind. By embracing and expressing spiritual-mindedness, we can be his followers and experience God's power in our daily lives. In several instances the Bible tells that the Master expressed gratitude to his Father, God, even before the actual healing or correction took place.

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