Fostering a spirit of gratitude in one another shifts your perspective from whatever circumstances you are going through to the joy and hope you have in Christ. Here are some ways your ministry can inspire gratitude, both for God and for each other.
Inspiring Gratitude for God
Living a life of gratitude must start with a recognition of who God is and what He has done. God’s character provides endless reasons for gratitude! He is faithful, merciful, loving, patient, forgiving…the list goes on! We will never be able to thank Him for all that He has done or will do for us, but we can thank Him for salvation, for providing for our physical/mental/spiritual needs, and for giving us daily wisdom as we walk with Him.
Remembering God’s goodness towards us prompts gratitude in our own hearts. But when we do this in community, that gratitude begins to spread, and we can “give thanks to the Lord” together! Does your ministry have a “gratitude wall” yet? This is a great way to spark a spirit of gratitude toward God in your ministry family. Stick a stack of post-it notes and some pens in the hall or hang a banner for people to write on. This way everyone can read what others write and thank the Lord together.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
-James 1:17
Inspiring Gratitude for Each Other
Being thankful for one another isn’t difficult, but it does require intentionality. We must open our eyes and be on the lookout for instances where we can show our gratitude for each other.
Hebrews 10:24 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Building each other up is a good way to express gratitude. For instance, you could highlight members of your ministry team and thank them publicly in front of others. Those who serve rarely do so for recognition or praise, but knowing their efforts were seen and appreciated motivates and encourages them.
You could also put together a tangible “thank you” either quarterly or annually for those who have given their time and energy to the ministry. It could be a retreat, brunch together at a restaurant, or a gift card with a note of gratitude. Whether you give a thank you basket to the missionary families at your yearly missions’ conference or put a box of donuts in the break room for the nursery staff—acts of gratitude both big and small affirm that we see Christ at work and are grateful for it.