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Gratitude
2025-10-28 | Kate Cogswell
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we are directed to rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Notice that we are exhorted to give thanks in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean we deny difficult realities. It is an invitation to train our brains, and hearts, to look for God, His kindness and His goodness, in the midst of any and all circumstances.
Adele Ahlberg Calhoun defines gratitude as “a loving and thankful response toward God for his presence with us and within this world. Though "blessings" can move us into gratitude, it is not at the root of a thankful heart. Delight in God and his good will is the heartbeat of thankfulness.” (Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, p.31)
What I have learned – and continue to learn – is that God’s presence makes all the difference. In the trials and the triumphs of our lives. Bidden or unbidden, God is present. We just have to be aware of His nearness and presence. Gratitude is a spiritual practice that helps us notice and appreciate God’s activity in the midst of real life.
A regular practice of noticing and giving thanks actually trains our minds to see good things, both large and seemingly small. We become more grateful and content – even joyful – even if nothing changes in our circumstances. Practicing gratitude leads us in the way of Jesus, deeper into the heart of God, deeper into our relationship with Him.
“Part of what it means to walk in the way of Jesus is to savor the good gifts that we receive and to give thanks to God for those gifts. As we do this, we nurture a heart of gratitude and humility.” Ken Shigematsu, Survival Guide for the Soul
November is almost here, and you won’t have to look far to find invitations and challenges to daily thanksgiving practice. We invite you – us as a church family - to be intentional this November to look for the kindness of God. In your life and around you. In the midst of joy and sorrow and everywhere in between.
And as we practice noticing, naming, and receiving the kindness of God, may we individually and as a community at The Grove, also practice kindness to ourselves and others.
As Pastor Stacey shared in his sermon (10/19), performing acts of kindness can help lower stress, reduce blood pressure and symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve cardiovascular health, and it might contribute to a longer life.
Studies have shown that even witnessing acts of kindness is contagious—people who witness our kindness to others are more likely to pay it forward.
Kindness begets kindness.
And practice makes permanent.
So, let’s become a community who practices gratitude. And as gratitude becomes a regular practice, may we also become a community of kindness, inspired and motivated by the kindness of God.
This is part of how we walk in the way of Jesus, and what would our lives look like if we treated everyone we meet with kindness? What would our church look like, our community, our nation, and world?