🍃Grateful

Verse: “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” — Hebrews 12:28

Keyword & Definition: Grateful is an adjective that means feeling or showing appreciation for something received or done. [Synonyms - Appreciation / Gratitude / Thankfulness]

As I was meditating on God's word two weeks ago, I kept asking Him which verse He wanted me to share for my LO exhortation today. Since we’ve already heard many messages on giving and tithing, I sought a fresh perspective. Then God simply led me to answer this question: “Why do you give your tithes? Why do you keep giving?”

One word consistently stood out—grateful. And we find this very word in Hebrews 12:28.  

I give because I am grateful. I am grateful for the Lord’s provision in my life. Without His blessing, I wouldn't even have the financial resources to offer. This is a profound realization: the reason behind our giving drives our consistency—whether in abundance or in hardship.  

We should give not based on fluctuating circumstances, but out of gratitude that remains steadfast.  

Nagsahod ka ng buo—Thank you, Lord.  

Kulang ang sahod mo—Thank you, Lord.  

Na-delay ang sahod mo—Thank you, Lord!

As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us:  

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  

God calls us to gratitude in all things, not just when life is going smoothly. More than words and actions, He sees our hearts—what is being shaped as we study His Word, listen to His voice, and walk with Him daily.  

Are we being molded into people of gratitude, or do we still fall into the habit of complaining?  

For years, God has been correcting me in this area. I realized that while I do express gratitude—especially when He answers long-awaited prayers—it often fades quickly. Then, before I know it, I find something else to complain about. And yet, God’s love remains unwavering. Even in our moments of ingratitude, He never withholds His provision. He knows our needs far better than we do. Moreover, we must not limit God’s provision to just our salary or workplace. He moves in unexpected ways, often using people around us—friends, brethren, and even strangers—to bless us.  

I recently received encouragement from a journal subscription that perfectly aligns with this message. The entry was titled: “Be Thankful and Say So”  

“The words we speak are powerful, and forming the habit of expressing gratitude greatly increases our joy. We can thank God silently in our hearts, but also voice our thankfulness aloud—this helps us remain aware of His love and goodness. God is always good, always faithful, and always working for our best. He continuously does something for us, acting on our behalf—so our response should be an outpouring of appreciation.”  

And giving our tithes and offerings is one of these responses—a tangible way to express our gratitude for God’s provision. Even if we don’t have all that the world offers, a grateful heart sees that what we have is already more than enough.  

As 2 Corinthians 9:7 says:  

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  

You cannot be a cheerful giver unless you are grateful first.  If we see giving merely as a commandment—from the Lord, our leaders, or the church—it may feel burdensome. Eventually, pressure can lead to burnout. But God does not force us to give, nor does He focus on the amount we offer. What matters to Him is the heart of the giver.