How to Become A More Thankful Person

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28 NLT

I am more thankful when I am less critical

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:12-13 NLT

The people I am the most critical of are critical to my spiritual growth

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 1 Timothy 2:1 NLT
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:43-44 NLT
If I don’t devote myself to a thankful heart, I will develop a critical spirit
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2 NLT

Filling up on love for others empties my critical spirit

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:14-15 NLT

Critical Spirit: Focuses on what others are doing wrong

Holy Spirit: Focuses on how I need to respond right

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live… Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander… Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:30-32 NLT

What I am pouring into my life is pouring out of me

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:16-17 NLT

• What messages are pouring into me?
• Where do I get my wisdom?
• What songs am I singing?
• How are people experiencing Jesus in me?

Community Group Discussion Guide

  1. What are some of the things you currently do to “deal with” the critical people who are regularly in your life?
  2. Read Matthew 5:43-44. Why do you think Jesus would call us to something so difficult and counterintuitive?
  3. Read Colossians 3:12-13. On a scale of 1-10, how good are you at making allowance for other people’s faults and forgiving them when that have wronged you? (Share an example.)
  4. In what ways have you grown as a direct result of working toward loving your enemies and/or forgiving those who have hurt you?
  5. What are some of the negative things you are allowing to pour into your life right now?
  6. What are some Godly things that you can replace them with?

Personal Reflection Guide

At the end of each day this week, spend some time thanking God for the people in your life. Ask him to bring to mind some ways that you have been faithful in the call to love others. Thank him for these people and for the Holy Spirit’s work in the relationships in your life. Next, ask him to bring to mind times that you have had a critical spirit and/or did not respond to others in a loving way. Ask for his forgiveness and for wisdom into what a more loving response would have been. End this time asking God to give you eyes to see these people in the way that he sees them.

My Notes