Gratitude

Do we have a true sense of gratitude… or is it something we gradually forget with time?

Maybe right now you have everything—or maybe you don’t. You have a family, but there’s no unity. You’re able to pay the rent, but it’s a struggle. There’s always food in the house, but not always the food you want. But there was a time when you dreamed of having those things—and you didn’t have them. Sometimes we forget that everything we have came with sacrifice.

Right now, we’re in the season when gratitude is celebrated, but many—even with a table full of food—still feel empty because of the conflicts within their family.

Many people at this very moment are suffering: they don’t have family, they’re alone, they live in the cold, and they don’t have food. They are people who have been forgotten… yet they are still grateful for the little they receive.

That’s why the Bible teaches us: “And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

And it also says: “Give thanks in all circumstances…” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

To be thankful is to value what we have. But many of us don’t value what we have, even though it cost us something to get it. We don’t show gratitude—we take things for granted.

Why is it that we tend to be more grateful when we have less?

Because when something costs us, we understand its value. But when something comes too easily, we often don’t appreciate it as much.

Gratitude also means recognizing that we’ve been given an opportunity. Speaking of our relationship with God—being thankful means acknowledging that He gives us the opportunity to have communion with Him, not just to solve our problems, but to be blessed in every area of our lives.

When we don’t thank God for all the good we have, it’s as if we don’t value what He did when He gave His Son on the cross. That’s why gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s a commandment for those who walk by faith.

And if God tells us to give thanks in all circumstances, it’s because every situation carries a lesson and a test meant to strengthen our faith even more. That is why we should give thanks even in our difficulties—because what awaits us will always be greater: a complete blessing.

Being thankful is not about having a lot, but about valuing what God has already placed in your hands.

Every week, the Angels of the Night project goes out to bring a message of faith and hope to those in need. During these outreaches, food, clothing, Bible studies, and much more are offered. Everyone involved comes back more than blessed.

If you live in Los Angeles and would like us to visit someone—or if you’d like to be part of this faith—join us at our location: 625 S Bonnie Brae St, Los Angeles, CA 90057, or at the nearest Universal Church.