So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thanksgiving. -Colossians 2:6-7
I will never forget what my mentor taught me many years ago (yes, Virginia, I do have a mentor). He said, "Cultivate an attitude of gratitude."
That single aspect of Christian living has helped me go through the toughest and best times of my life. Having a heart overflowing with thankfulness is indicative of the following, but by no means the only, factors:
1. You have made the choice that everything you receive is a blessing, whether it be something material or a word of apreciation. To believe that everything you receive is a blessing opens you up to more blessings.
2. You know the meaning of humility. Simply stated, show me a person who cannot say, "Thank you," and I'll show you a person who is proud.
3. You know the love of God in your heart. It doesn't matter whether you believe the person giving you a blessing is sincere or not, a friend or not, has wrong motives or not. Love doesn't judge and it reaches out to all (1 Corinthians 13).
4. It reflects the person of Christ in you. Colossians 2:6-7 needs no explanation.
The other side of the coin is to be able to say, "You're welcome," to a person who expresses gratitude to you.
Those are just two words: "Thank you" or "You're welcome." Yet, those two words can speak volumes about the kind of person you are.
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