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

Main message: Expressing gratitude—especially to people you find difficult—by faith (even when you don't feel like it) can realign and heal relationships, cleansing bitterness and producing spiritual and practical benefits.

Key points:

• Hoarding gratitude leads to bitterness; releasing thankfulness cleans the heart and restores relationships.
• Speaking gratitude by faith (do it even when you don't feel it) can change your heart and begin reconciliation.
• Practical exercise: pick a specific person, write their name, and tell them "I am thankful for you because..." with concrete, sincere examples.
• Six suggested things to thank people for (examples to use): reputation, fellowship in the gospel, receptivity to the gospel, growing faith, genuine faith, and love toward others.
• Gratitude has measurable benefits (better relationships, less social comparison, reduced retaliation, greater peace) and is commanded in Scripture; make gratitude an ongoing spiritual practice.

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