Throwback Thursday | November 4th 2018 | Like and subscribe!

Main message: Expressing generous, specific thankfulness—even toward difficult people and done by faith—can change your heart, heal damaged relationships, and realign them to how God intends them to function.

Key points:

• Gratitude hoarding (not saying thanks) turns blessings into bitterness; releasing thanks cleans out the heart and produces health in relationships.
• You don't have to "feel" thankful first; speaking grateful words by faith can transform your heart and the relationship.
• Practical challenge: pick a specific person you find difficult, write "I will be generously thankful for somebody," and tell them "I am thankful for you because..." with concrete examples.
• Six areas to thank people for (as prompts): their reputation, fellowship in the gospel, receptivity to the gospel, growing faith, genuine faith, and love toward others.
• Scripture and psychology support gratitude: it reduces comparison, improves friendships and reduces retaliation; be intentional (call, text, or speak face-to-face) and pray for God to give eyes to see the good in others.

Scriptures mentioned: Romans 1, Romans 1:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Colossians 3:17, Philippians 4:6-7, Philippians 1:3, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Psalm 100