Just this week, a friend sent me a note with the following reflections on the power of gratitude. I hope it will encourage and help you.

Michael Zigarelli did a study of 5,000 Christians worldwide, comparing “gold medalists” to “silver medalists,” those who came across to others as very Christ-like as compared to those who came across as less Christ-like. His desire was to discern what really distinguishes the champions.

“What I found surprised me. Of all the possible explanations for why some Christians look more like Jesus than others, one explanation, one characteristic clearly stood out above the rest.”

So what was the explanation? In a word, it was gratitude.

Growing one’s gratitude evidently has a transformational effect on character because it is one of God’s primary vehicles for inducing or “parenting” other Christian qualities. Stated from a Christian worldview, gratitude is a vehicle that makes us better, more Christ-like people. Call it a “parent virtue,” “the gratitude effect,” or whatever you would like. Regardless of the label, gratitude is a powerful disposition that provides us with an effective mechanism for developing a myriad of Christ-like character traits.

Want more inner peace? Work on gratitude.

Want more patience? Work on gratitude.

Want to be more compassionate? Work on gratitude.

Want to be more joyful? Work on gratitude. . . . It’s foundational to joy!

Gratitude does all this by setting a new thought context for processing our circumstances in life. We trust the sovereignty and power of God, knowing that he loves us more than we can imagine (Ephesians 3:16-21) and that he can work all things together for good when we love him (Romans 8:28-29). That kind of trust in God’s transforming work is an impetus for gratitude—an appreciation of who God is and what He gives and does. In other words, an expression of our love for God.

How about a gratitude check today. Does gratitude flow freely from your heart and life? Do others look at your words and behavior and say, “Wow, now that’s a relentless flow of gratitude!” This is our mandate: Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thess 5:16-18).

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written by maginel natof, March 08, 2010

I am leading a CPL group and I have two questins I need help answering. I actually sat with you at a round table last week( FEB) for the purity series. I am the one with 4 boys that live in two homes.These are the questions.
Are our sins forgiven if we don't confess them?
What are we giving an account of if our sins are put in the sea of forgetfulness?
THANKS

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written by Pastor Jonathan, March 17, 2010

Hi friend! Thanks for your note...and great questions.

On the first one, the Bible indicates that our sins are forgiven only when we confess them. 1 John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us..." And in Psalm 32:5, David reflects on his own spiritual journey: "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord'--and you forgave the guilt of my sin.'" See also Psalm 51:2; 66:18; and Proverbs 28:13.

On the second question, the Bible says that believers will be rewarded in heaven for their good works. Matthew 16:27--"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done." Our sins are covered, so we will not have a movie shown of those . However, it could be that unconfessed sins will be brought to our attention. The Bible is not crystal clear on this matter. I welcome the perspective of others on these questions.

Thanks again for being in touch, and for your ministry to others!

Jonathan

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