Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
“Happiness does not make us grateful, gratitude keeps us happy – always”.
Gratitude overrides grudge; it overtakes vengeance and overrules revenge. Gratitude softens our hearts with love. Gratitude is like a meat tenderizer. A meat tenderizer is designed to breakdown the bonds between the collagen proteins, which causes the meat to soften. Collagen is a fiber-like protein structure used to make connective tissues and is a major component of bone, skin, muscles, tendons and cartilages. When gratitude is woven into the fiber of our being, there will be no roughness or stubbornness in our words or deeds. Our approach even to the rude and rapacious would be soft, gentle and compassionate. Gratitude supersedes anger, animosity and antagonism.
The word “but” in the vocabulary of a person bubbling with gratitude will be a word of victory; not an exception clause to the blessing. Gratitude will say, ‘they meant evil but God turned it into good’. Gratitude will not mourn about the malice, mean and malicious actions of the ruthless but will appreciate God’s hand that turned the ugly action into victorious commission.
Joseph was able to make a “remarkable statement” to the same brothers who mistreated him and caused him much harm, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people” (Genesis 50:20). ‘But’ is a conjunction of praise and not condemnation, as graciousness overrules grudge and gratitude nullifies resentment.
“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.” – Kristin Armstrong.
Gratitude overrules grudge:
1. Overrides: The Lord God turns cruelty and abuse into scars of triumph for His children. He makes all things work together for good. It was the nastiness of the brothers that took Joseph into Egypt and the brutality of Potiphar’s wife that pushed him into the prison and the ingratitude of the prison mates that promoted him into the palace. Gratitude overrides bitterness.
2. Overtakes: Oppression can implant deep seeded hatred but gratitude uproots hostility. Gratitude overtakes anger and animosity and replaces with mercy and kindness.
3. Overrules: Gratitude overrules vengeance and replaces it with forgiveness. Joseph comforted the brothers who were trembling in fear with kind and compassionate words. He was able to repay good for evil only because his heart was tenderized by gratitude.
Gratitude is the heart tenderizer. When gratitude is woven into the fiber of our heart our thoughts, words and actions will be softened with love.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Prayer: Father God, let the anger or animosity never take root in me. Let the collagen/fiber of my heart be tenderized with gratitude and love. Amen.
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