It is well known that an attitude of gratitude is good for a person and those around them. When we think of the many ways that we have been blessed in life it should lead us to be grateful. Scripture implores us, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Many times, people are grateful for their health, family, and possessions. We hold tight to those things, and rightfully so. Yet, the sad reality is those people and possessions are not always with us. Sometimes we face sickness, disease, and the loss of family members. Even the material things that we value do not always stay the same or satisfy us.
The amazing grace-gift God offers is something that we can be thankful for eternally. The fact that He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins is something that breathes life into us now and always. Jesus rose again in power so that we can experience life with God forever. That is the blessing promised in John 3:16!
God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
To perish means to be separated from God. Trusting in Jesus means that will never happen. Because of God’s blessings and promises we can have hope no matter what comes into our lives. "Grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day" (2 Corinthians 4:15-16).
The Bible states that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). Jesus is the perfect Son of God who allows us to have peace with the Father. He is the ultimate gift. We can be thankful that even though we can never be good enough on our own merits to go to heaven, Jesus is all we need when we believe in Him and repent of our sins. Count it a blessing to know that God is willing to accept anyone in love who asks for salvation.
"Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13). No matter what we have done in the past or how many times we have failed, God has open arms and will welcome us when we sincerely put our trust in Him. "By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
It has been said that the best things in life are free. Jesus paid the price so that we can freely receive God’s grace and be in God's love eternally.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever" (1 Chronicles 16:34).