November 28, 2025
- djohnstoncc
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
GRACIOUS GRATITUDE
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.”
Psalms 50:23a NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Jonathan Edwards, the American revivalist, made a helpful distinction between what he called natural gratitude and gracious gratitude. Natural gratitude begins with the things we receive and the benefits that come with them. Anyone can express this kind of gratitude simply by being thankful for what they enjoy.
But gracious gratitude is something entirely different—something only God’s children can truly experience. Gracious gratitude recognizes the goodness, character, love, power, and beauty of God apart from anything He gives us. It is a heart that gives thanks because of who God is, not just because of what He provides.
This gratitude remains steady whether life is smooth or difficult, whether we’re celebrating or grieving, whether the world feels hopeful or heavy, whether our health is strong or failing. It’s a gratitude shaped by grace—evidence of the Holy Spirit at work within us. It allows us to walk through every circumstance with confidence that God is deeply present and that we are objects of His unfailing love.
A simple example helps illustrate this truth. I can say to my wife, “That was an amazing dinner—thank you!” That is natural gratitude, thanking her for something she did for me. But a deeper expression is when I thank her for who she is—for her tender heart, her ability to recognize the hurts of others, and her genuine love for God and people. That is closer to gracious gratitude.
Our relationship with God calls for the same growth. We don’t only thank Him for our food, our blessings, and the good moments. We also pause to thank Him for His nature—for being a loving Father, full of grace and mercy, even when we don’t deserve it.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit, help me cultivate gracious gratitude. Teach me to start by giving thanks for who You are and let that gratitude overflow in how I honor others as well.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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