Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire’ (Hebrews 12:28-29 ESV)

Every now and again we hear, or read, of someone who has survived a traumatic event, tragic circumstances, or personal illness, and is so grateful that they want to devote their time and talents to helping others in similar circumstances.

Is ‘gratitude’ a word that often comes to mind when thinking of our salvation and life in Christ?

What response does the ‘attitude of gratitude’ question bring forth in us?

What would we be grateful for?

It is said ‘that Christian believers have access, in the invisible, spiritual realm, into the heavenly Jerusalem, and therefore participate in worship with the innumerable angels and the great “assembly” of those who have died in faith and are already in God’s presence. (c.f. Heb. 12:22)

Are we grateful for our new life in Christ?

Are we grateful for being a part of ‘a kingdom that cannot be shaken’?

Are we grateful for the ‘hope’ that we have in Christ – that we can look forward to joining those who have died in the faith and are in the presence of God?

Do we express that gratitude in our life and in our heart, in our relationship with God and our neighbours, and offer God ‘acceptable worship with reverence and awe’?

What would that be like in our experience and practice?

Psalm 107:1

Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever.

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God. He gives us the victory through Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 9:15

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.

1 Thessalonians 5:16

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.