Thankful vs Gratitude
At first glance, the title of this Monday Meditations might seem a bit “nonsensical”. Do we really need to discuss the difference between these two words? Aren’t they the same thing? As Christ-followers, don’t we already know how to do this regularly?
Before we go any further, answer this question:
Q: What are 10 things you are THANKFUL for? Write down the first 10 thoughts that come to mind, and be honest.
Let’s continue the exercise by answering this next question:
Q: What are 10 things you are GRATEFUL for? Again, write down the first 10 thoughts that come to mind, even if some are the same from the previous list.
Looking at both of your lists, how many of those items are material? How many are situational? How many are relational?
If there are different items on each list, what were the criteria you used to determine which you are thankful for versus those you are grateful for?
The English language often does a disservice to expressing true meanings. For instance, we may say we are “grateful” for something, when in actual fact we feel “thankful” instead, and vice-versa
I want to propose that the words are uniquely different and, as Christians, it would be good for us to understand the difference in them.
Thankfulness tends to be more of an emotional response to something we have received. We say “thank you” when someone does something nice for us. However, thankfulness can be an attitude that originates from within. We can CHOOSE to take a posture of thankfulness in all things.
Gratitude is a bit different. I would propose that gratitude is an expression, or action, for something that has happened from outside of ourselves. When someone gives an unexpected and meaningful gift that we were not anticipating, even to the point of being sacrificial, we express gratitude. It can mimic thankfulness, but goes much deeper. The selfless act results in us forming a stronger sense of loyalty and commitment based on the generosity we have received.
Q: Now that we’ve briefly explained both of the concepts, would you make any changes to your lists in the questions above?
There’s a great story found in Luke 17:11-19 about a situation between Jesus and some lepers. It reads as follows:
As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.” (NLT)
Ten men all received a valuable gift. Each were healed from the disease that impeded their lives in so many ways every day. They all had immense pain and discomfort. Emotionally they were distraught. They all experienced being shunned and rejected by the general public and even by friends and family. While all of them may have been THANKFUL when healing was given to them, only one responded with true GRATITUDE. This Samaritan not only realized what significant difference the gift of healing gave him, he wanted to ensure he responded in a way that communicated to his healer what he felt in his heart.
I wonder how many times we feel thankful for all the good that God has given us but do not act with gratitude. We know that every good thing in our lives comes from our Heavenly Father (James 1:17), but I believe we often take these gifts for granted without truly pondering their significance to us.
There are so many things we likely need to express GRATITUDE for. Maybe take some time to discuss your thoughts about these concepts with your Corpath Forum group. Share your lists with them. And in the process, maybe take a moment to express your gratitude for their input into your personal, professional, and spiritual development.
My Prayer:
My god, I am taking a posture of thankfulness as I pray to you today. I have received so many wonderful things from you. I also confess that I need to slow down and realize just how significant your care for me truly is. I want to express honest and authentic gratitude for all that you do for me. I want to be like the healed Samaritan and give you praise for all of your care. With gratitude I say “thank you”. Amen.
Blessings as Always!
Steve Shrout
President, Corpath Forums
Email: president@corpath.ca
"Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit"
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.
