“Thank you.”
Many of us were taught the importance of these words from a young age - be it in school or within family. However, over the years, fewer people see the need to express those words. They lose their understanding of the value of gratitude. Yet, this does not change the value gratitude has on our character.
It affects our thinking and behavior. The understanding of the value of gratitude can be regained by understanding the effect it has on our thinking and behavior, as mentioned. We can take a look at the effect gratitude has on our perception of ourselves, others, and of God, further looking into how it influences our actions.
Perception of Ourselves
Many factors influence the way we perceive our own abilities, behaviors, and characteristics. At times, the very abilities, behaviors, and characteristics we have affect our perception of ourselves. One of such influencing factors is gratitude.
When one practices a habit of gratitude, they can practice looking at themselves in a positive point-of-view, influencing as far as their decisions. For instance, although we all have valuable inherent behavior and characteristics like capacity for creativity and pursuit of happiness, not everyone will see the value these natural human traits have to us as individuals. As a result, some people may feel worthless as they conclude their “complete lack of ability” (lack of confidence). People with an attitude of gratitude, however, will keep their value as individuals in mind because they are aware of such natural abilities they can use for good purpose.
This attitude can protect them from feelings of worthlessness, and help them have better psychological and physical well-being. So, gratitude plays an important role to keep a positive self-image helping us fight the tendencies of negative thinking.
Perception of Others
A gratitude-driven thinking can also affect our relationship with other people. Because of being imperfect human beings, we will be able to see other people’s negative traits, especially those we are usually with. When we are not careful, this may cause us to magnify the negative traits and faults of others, which may easily lead to developing a critical view of them. Consequently, this may influence our actions and lead to ill treatment towards them. On the other hand, when we enjoy a grateful view of others, we don’t only magnify their imperfections, but use a “wide-angle lens,” in a sense, to capture their entire personality.
When we do, we gain reasons to treat others with impartiality and kindness. As a result, we are building a peaceful relationship with people around us. Some may simply stop at developing a positive attitude towards others, but we can take gratitude further through expressions. We can go back to the basics and re-learn how to genuinely thank someone through words (compliments and expressions) and actions (giving gifts or doing something for them). When we do, we prove gratitude’s power over our relationships. In addition to gratitude’s importance in our relationship with other people, there is another important relationship that can be greatly affected by a grateful attitude.
Perception of God
While gratitude has a great impact on ourselves and other people, we also have to, most importantly, be keenly aware of its effect on our view of God - the One every living thing depends on to live. Because of His undeserved kindness and unconditional love to mankind, He has provided both our needs and wants to enjoy living. Ultimately, He has expressed His love through giving His son, Jesus, as a ransom to make a relationship with Him and forgiveness for our sin possible.
Just like what Job 35:7 reads, God does not benefit from anything we do. Well, what can the Most High and the Most Powerful one ever need from us imperfect humans? He is not dependent on our living. But, still, God displayed His love for us with no fail. Despite such great expressions of love, many fail to recognize the value of such things.
On the contrary, when we are grateful for God’s various expressions of love and their value, this can help us to find the good things despite experiencing a difficult situation.
Of course, this kind of thinking must be handled with discretion as some may take advantage of such positive thinking for their evil, selfish purpose. Yet, this way of thinking can still be used as a helpful tool to cope with hardships. God’s promise in Isaiah 41:10,13 to help us in times of distress can also be a tool to cope with hardships. Therefore, because of God’s love, we can have a more positive outlook in life to help in dealing with challenges that come with it.
We understood that gratitude is more than just a simple “thank you.” Gratitude has the power to change our perspective and influence our long-term behavior. It can help us gain a balanced view of ourselves in order to avoid negative thinking. Gratitude can also cause us to build peaceful relationships with other people. Most importantly, gratitude can help us recognize the expressions of God’s love to mankind, which can help us have a more positive outlook on life to face the challenges that may come.
Whatever our circumstances may be, we can choose whether or not to be grateful. But, when we do, we can witness the positive influence of gratitude first-hand. What’s your choice?
Comments