The Reasons for Gratitude

Gratitude, My Duty

Published by Deborah Negron M.A., B.S.

November 27, 2019

I have learned so much from them. To love God and cherish life and every good gift. Dedicated to Mom and Dad.

The Definition of Gratitude according to the Webster’s Dictionary 1828 is the following,

An emotion of the heart, excited by a favor or benefit received; a sentiment of kindness or good will towards a benefactor; thankfulness. … gratitude is a virtue of the highest excellence, as it implies a feeling and generous heart, and a proper sense of duty.

The Definition of Duty according to Webster’s Dictionary 1828

That which a person owes to another; that which a person is bound, by any natural, moral or legal obligation, to pay, do or perform. Obedience to princes, magistrates and the laws is the duty of every citizen and subject; obedience, respect and kindness to parents are duties of children; fidelity to friends is a duty; reverence, obedience and prayer to God are indispensable duties; the government and religious instruction of children are duties of parents which they cannot neglect without guilt.

The depth of the definition in the original dictionary shows such a difference from our understanding of the language in our day.

But examining the text one can see the degrees of duty. The sense of duty for every person, citizen and parent.
We are so far removed from this standard these days.
The responsability for the education, instruction, guidance to impart to our children knowledge and reverence. This seems to be a thing of the past for some.

The Bible tells us however, that we are to train up our children in the way they should go. Proverbs 22:6

In the Old Testament in the Book of Deuteronomy chapter 11:18-20, scripture tells us,
“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,”

In the New Testament, the Bible reminds us through the Apostle Paul to speak those things that edify and build up others and ourselves.

Whatsoever things are true honest, just pure and lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, speak about these things. Philippians 4:8

When we practice Gratitude, we apply the concept of duty. We have a duty, that is, we are obliged to give thanks for all the Blessings we have.
The sun shines over the good and evil men. The rain falls and fills the land providing hydration for the very plants and nourishment we receive. The ability to inhale and exhale oxygen is a privilege we are given by our God the Creator. We have been sustained by God. He upholds humanity and the very atmosphere we live in. The masterful ecosystems, the subsystems within each part of creation is proof enough that we are to be grateful.

It is then our duty, our responsibility and our privilege to be able to speak of the goodness of God.

Above this and in addition to it we can consider that, the same God, the Word made flesh. That the Apostle John speaks of. He, the very God of all Creation, separates from the Godhead Trinity and comes as the Son of God.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit which had functioned in total unity from the beginning planned redemption even before the earth was established. Jesus the Son came as part of this plan to rescue mankind from sin.

Romans 8:28-30
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Isaiah 53:3-4, 7,10
He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.
But it was the Lord ’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord ’s good plan will prosper in his hands.

John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Gratitude for me then, extends far beyond the temporal things. It extends far beyond a day of thankfulness. It goes beyond just a time of sharing and spending time with family and friends.
Gratitude is my duty. I am to consider wholeheartedly, with all my understanding and will all that God has given to me.

I am grateful for you reader.
I am grateful for these words.
I am grateful for God’s word and how He has given so much for us.
I am grateful for the Cross of Jesus. I am grateful for His Resurrection and for the Empty Tomb.
I am grateful for the sacrifice He made for me. I am grateful for my family and the joy we know in Him. In Jesus is my provision. In Him my mind are heard are at peace.

Oh my friend, if you are reading these words, you too can be grateful; for today you too can know the Lord of Heaven who has allowed you to see and read these lines.

Oh be grateful for the good times and the bad times all as well. For we are alive and able to experience the love of God.
Breathe deeper, think clearly, cry out to the one who can sustain you now and always. Bring your sorrows to Jesus and see Him turn your weeping in to dancing. Watch Him transform your days of discontentment in to days of celebration.

Gratitude is my obligation and my desire all at once. I thank you Father for Jesus, and Jesus for your Holy Spirit.
Lead us all to that place of confidence where we know in Christ Jesus we are secure.