2. Being Thankful
Colossians 3:17

3. Ingratitude
Consider how common ingratitude is. Sometimes the simplest duties seem the hardest to fulfill (Lk. 17:11-19)
What if God took back every blessing for which we are not truly grateful?
But however common it is, is there any greater sin than ingratitude?

4. God has never looked lightly on the complainer (Num. 21:4-6)
Sometimes our ingratitude is the result of not knowing (or remembering) what it is like to be without; there is a definite link between prosperity and ingratitude (Deut. 8:3; cf. vv. 7-18)
For example, the surest way to produce an ungrateful child is to give him everything he wants

5. Ingratitude hurts deeply (Jn. 1:11)
Not only is ingratitude itself a sin, it is at the root of most other sins; it is the first step on the road that leads away from God (Rom. 1:21)
We need, sometimes even literally, to “count our blessings”

6. The Need To Express Our Thankfulness
Thanksgiving to God, the “fruit of our lips,” is a “sacrifice of praise to God” (Heb. 13:15)
Unexpressed, whether to God or others, is no better than ingratitude. Yet how often we make excuses: we did not have time, it was an oversight, etc

7. God has been gracious to us, but that grace will have been “in vain” (1 Cor. 15:10) if we do not properly receive it, appreciate it, and express our gratitude for it
As with love, gratitude must be expressed with deeds, as well as words (cf. 1 Jn. 3:18)
Ultimately, we show our gratitude to God by the help we give to others (Matt. 25:31-46)

8. The Effect Of Thankfulness
Being thankful is one way all of us can let our lights shine – it can have a powerful influence on those around us
As indicated, “expressing” our gratitude can mean (1) expressing our gratitude to God for His blessings and (2) expressing our gratitude to others for their kindness – it can also mean (3) talking to others of our gratitude for God’s blessings (Mk. 5:19)

9. We can give thanks before meals in the presence of others (Acts 27:35)
We can show how we have peace of mind and how gratitude for what is right reduces anxiety about what is wrong (Phil. 4:6-7)
We can draw others by showing real thankfulness for the privilege of being God’s children (1 Jn. 3:1) -- and by letting it be known how much we appreciate our brethren in the Lord (Phil. 1:3)
We can draw others by showing thankfulness for the spiritual blessings that we enjoy in Christ (Eph. 1:3)