The Gratitude Equation

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 ESV

If we do a little math we will see that our blessings are greater than our burdens.

Blessings > Burdens

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thes. 5:18 ESV

Do everything without complaining and arguing. Philippians 2:14 NLT


Rather than debating whether our cup is half empty or half full we should try being thankful that we have a cup!

I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you're again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don't mean that your help didn't mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles. Philippians 4:10-14 MSG


Where X is Thankfulness, Y is Complaining and Z = Joy

The sum of X and Y = Z

X +/- (-Y) = Z

X + (-Y) = Z or 10 + (-10) = 0

X - (-Y) = Z or 10 - (-10) = 20

Anytime you subtract a negative it becomes a positive.

A complaining life is a discontented life!

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4 ESV

Being Thankful is a great place to start but it’s only the beginning of a right response to the goodness and faithfulness of God.

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28 ESV

Blessed people are not always grateful, but grateful people are always blessed.

Blessing + Gratefulness = Generosity