The More Grateful I Am, the Happier I’ll Become

In review of Philippians 1:3 this morning, I read “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God” (NLT).

The Philippians were remembered with joy and thanksgiving whenever Paul prayed. By helping Paul, they were helping Christ's cause. The Philippians were willing to be used by God for whatever he wanted them to do. When others think about me, what comes to their minds? Am I remembered with joy by them? Do my acts of kindness lift up others?

If I want to have healthy relationships, I need to start with an attitude of gratitude. I will be far happier and enjoy my relationships more if I develop the habit of being grateful for the people in my life.

Philippians 1:3 says, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God” (NLT). That simple truth is the foundation of good relationships.

When I think of the people in my life, is my first feeling gratitude? Or am I more likely to ask, “What do they need to do for me? What are our problems? What do we have to get done?” My first thought may not be gratitude. But as evidenced here, Paul’s first thought for his friends was one of gratitude, and it is the model I should follow if I want my relationships to last.

Here’s the problem: The longer I know someone, the more likely I take that person for granted. Isn’t that true? With the passage of time, it becomes easier to focus on that person’s faults and the bad times instead of the happy times.

It will take effort on my part to choose to have an attitude of gratitude for the people in my life. The longer my relationships have lasted, the harder it may be to remember. But I can experience an eternal impact in my relationships when I develop the habit of giving thanks to God when I think of those in my life; my wife, children, mother, siblings, neighbors, coworkers, and small group members.

In summary, continually give thanks to God for those in my life. I need to be willing to be used by God for whatever he wants me to do. Bring joy, do acts of kindness to help lift up others around me. Start with an attitude of gratitude. Develop the habit of being grateful for those in my life. It will take effort on my part to choose to have an attitude of gratefulness for this in my life, but today's verse reminds me that I can have an eternal impact if I do.

It’s easy to become cynical and to take others for granted. I need to focus on having an attitude of gratitude, and be willing to be of help, assistance and service to others. I pray this morning Father for your help to focus on gratitude and thankfulness for those in my life. I also ask for wisdom and guidance for my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, Amen.