Promoting peace and harmony from an Abrahamic perspective

​

What is 'Gratitude'?

​

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

​

Why is 'Gratitude' important?

​

Gratitude allows individuals to recognize the positive aspects of their lives. To grasp the significance of gratitude, consider what the world might be like without it. How can we fully enjoy our blessings without truly appreciating them? Why is it that even when some of us possess what many only dream of—food, shelter, clothing, love, family, health, wealth—we still search for happiness and struggle to cope with 'loss'? Why do those with their basic needs met, and even more, continue to experience depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues? Conversely, how is it that when we have less in terms of material wealth, we can still find peace within ourselves compared to those with more? What helps us navigate the emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges of 'loss' in a physical sense?  

​

Gratitude is a relative and infinite concept without boundaries. Circumstances can always improve or worsen. In this world of perceived opposites, by using our senses and minds, humans can reflect and compare, gaining a better understanding of gratitude's importance and integrating it into daily life. The more grateful we become, the less we 'suffer.' This empowers us to take responsibility for our suffering by controlling it through gratitude. Gratitude shifts suffering from being dependent on external causes to a 'state' we choose. While it may not eliminate physical pain, with patience, endurance, and gratitude, it helps us 'let go' of the need for total control over our lives while accepting responsibility for them. Gratitude can 'release' and 'free' us from greed, envy, and corruption on both an individual and universal level. 

​

From an Abrahamic viewpoint, in this world, some are given more worldly possessions, health, children, and freedom than others, serving as a 'test' for ourselves and others who can perceive and act upon these experiences and blessings or their absence. Consider how we could appreciate shelter without understanding homelessness. How would we value food and clean water without the existence of starving individuals who travel miles for dirty water? How can we cherish our loved ones without relating to those who have lost theirs? The presence of these opposites, either in our lives or others', enables us to express 'gratitude' by comparing our current blessings to past experiences or the lives and blessings of others, past or present.

​

 

Abrahamic Scripture encourages gratitude towards God and one's parents. But why does God desire our gratitude? As we gain knowledge, we realise that God does not need gratitude—He is 'Free from need.' He wants us to be grateful for our own benefit. Humanity requires gratitude, as we are not self-sufficient like Him. His request for gratitude stems from love and mercy, not necessity. 

​

How does Gratitude help us?

​

Gratitude is a vital quality that can transform our lives and lead us to genuine happiness. By adopting a grateful mindset, we learn to see the positive side of life, experiencing a range of benefits including:

​

• Increased positive emotions

• Enhanced health and well-being

• Improved coping mechanisms for challenges

• Stronger interpersonal relationships

​

Feeling grateful brings inner satisfaction and peace, enriching our lives in numerous ways.

​

Deepening Our Connection with the Creator

​

Gratitude strengthens our relationship with our Creator, the ultimate Source of all provisions. It is easy to overlook the blessings we have, such as our senses, intellect, and relationships. By expressing gratitude for these gifts, we cultivate humility and compassion, which in turn enhances our love for both our Creator and others. This love inspires us to share our blessings and support those in need, fostering kindness and generosity.

​

Overcoming Greed and Envy

​

Gratitude can liberate us from feelings of greed. Recognising that true happiness comes from righteousness and spiritual peace, rather than material wealth, diminishes envy. As more people embrace gratitude, we can create a more harmonious world, where leaders focus on improving relationships rather than accumulating wealth.

​

Coping with Challenges and Loss

​

Gratitude is also a powerful tool for navigating life's challenges. In times of loss, it helps transform despair into hope, allowing us to learn and grow from negative experiences. This mindset is crucial for mental well-being, aiding in the healing of depression and anxiety.

​

Fostering Compassion and Responsibility

​

By comparing our blessings with those who have less, we become more aware of global injustices. Acknowledging this imbalance can inspire us to take responsibility and act compassionately. Understanding the suffering of others can cultivate empathy, driving efforts toward peace and justice in the world.

​

Gratitude in Abrahamic Scriptures

​

Abrahamic Scriptures encourage gratitude towards our Creator and parents, emphasising the importance of these relationships. Just as we seek gratitude from our children to strengthen our bonds, showing gratitude to our Creator fosters a deeper connection. A strong relationship with our Creator enhances our relationships with one another, promoting peace, kindness, and harmony in our lives and the world.

​

Ultimately, gratitude is essential for creating a harmonious existence, guiding us toward a purposeful life filled with love and compassion.

​

How Can Our Gratitude Help Others?

 

Gratitude, when combined with compassion and love, becomes a powerful force for positive change. It inspires us to share our blessings—whether material or spiritual—with those less fortunate. This selfless sharing fosters a more equitable world and enhances our own well-being. The more we give, the richer our lives become, creating a cycle of gratitude that benefits everyone.

​

Expressing gratitude to those who show us kindness—through a simple thank you or reciprocating a favor—validates their efforts and encourages further acts of kindness. While some may perform good deeds expecting recognition, others act selflessly, motivated by a desire to honour a higher purpose. This true altruism, rooted in gratitude, thrives without the expectation of reciprocity.

​

Imagine a world where people express gratitude not just to each other but to the Creator, the ultimate source of all provision. If everyone acted out of gratitude without expecting anything in return, we would see a transformative shift in society. Kindness would become a moral obligation and a cherished opportunity, liberating individuals from feelings of indebtedness. In this scenario, acts of giving would be rooted in love and gratitude, fostering a community where everyone strives to share their blessings with those in need.

​

We teach our children that 'sharing is caring' and encourage them to express gratitude. However, we must reflect on why these values are important. Just as we guide our children, we too need guidance from our Creator. By demonstrating gratitude in our own lives, we model the behaviours we wish to instil in the next generation, contributing to a kinder and more compassionate world.

​

 

What does Abrahamic Scripture teach about 'Gratitude?'

​

Jewish scripture, particularly the Hebrew Bible, emphasizes the importance of gratitude as a fundamental aspect of spiritual life and ethical behavior. Gratitude, or 'hakarat hatov' in Hebrew, translates to recognising the good, and it is deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition. One of the most significant texts that highlight this theme is the Psalms, where numerous verses express thankfulness to God for His blessings and kindness. For instance, Psalm 100 encourages believers to 'enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise,' illustrating the idea that gratitude is a form of worship and connection with the divine.

​

Additionally, the concept of gratitude is woven throughout the Torah, where the Israelites are frequently reminded to express thanks for the gifts of the land, sustenance, and liberation from slavery in Egypt. The practice of reciting blessings, or 'berakhot,' before and after meals is a daily reminder of the importance of acknowledging God's provision. Furthermore, Jewish liturgy includes specific prayers, such as the 'Modim Anachnu Lach,' which is a prayer of thanks said during the Amidah, reflecting a communal acknowledgment of gratitude. Overall, Jewish teachings encourage individuals to cultivate a mindset of thankfulness, recognising both divine and human contributions to their lives.

What does Christ teach about gratitude?

​

In the teachings of Christ, gratitude is portrayed as an essential virtue that reflects a person's relationship with God and others. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus emphasises the importance of thankfulness in various contexts, illustrating how it should permeate the lives of His followers. For instance, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus heals ten lepers, and only one returns to thank Him, highlighting the significance of expressing gratitude for blessings received. This story serves as a powerful reminder that recognition of God's grace should lead to an active response of thankfulness.

​

Christ often incorporated gratitude into His prayers, as seen during the Last Supper when He gave thanks for the bread and wine before sharing them with His disciples. This act not only signifies the importance of gratitude in communal meals but also emphasises the idea of thanksgiving as a form of worship. In addition, the teachings of Jesus encourage believers to cultivate an attitude of gratitude even in challenging circumstances, as expressed in the Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about loving one's enemies and praying for those who persecute you. This radical approach to gratitude extends beyond mere acknowledgment of blessings and calls for a deeper appreciation of life's complexities.

​

The Quran places a strong emphasis on the concept of gratitude, or 'shukr,' as a core principle of faith and a means of drawing closer to Allah. Throughout the text, believers are reminded of the countless blessings bestowed upon them, and they are encouraged to express their thankfulness in both words and actions. One of the prominent verses that encapsulates this theme is found in Surah Ibrahim, where Allah states, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase your favor upon you.' This verse underscores the reciprocal relationship between gratitude and divine generosity, suggesting that expressing thankfulness can lead to even greater blessings.

​

Additionally, the Quran teaches that gratitude should be a consistent practice in a believer's life, not just a reaction to favorable circumstances. Surah Al-Baqarah highlights the importance of being thankful during both times of ease and hardship, encouraging Muslims to maintain a grateful heart regardless of their situation. The act of giving thanks is also linked to the performance of good deeds, reinforcing the idea that gratitude is not merely verbal acknowledgment but should manifest in actions that reflect appreciation for Allah's gifts. Overall, the teachings of the Quran inspire individuals to develop a deep sense of gratitude that permeates their daily lives, fostering a strong connection to their faith and to the community around them.

​

​

How can we feel and express more Gratitude?

​

Many of us may believe that what we possess in this physical world is inherently ours, leading to a sense of entitlement and a lack of gratitude. However, it is essential to reflect on the concept of 'provision.' What does 'provision' truly mean? It is a dynamic and multifaceted idea. Consider the following questions: What do we own that wasn't once owned by others? What can we take with us when we die? Are we genuinely self-reliant, or is everything we have provided to us, either directly or indirectly? Do we truly own anything—land, property, wealth, children, or even our own bodies? Are these possessions eternal? Are we in control, or is there a Higher Power capable of taking everything away in an instant?

​

From an Abrahamic perspective, we all 'belong' to God, and ultimately, to Him, we return. We are spiritual beings inhabiting a physical form, and all provisions come from Him, either directly or through others who serve as channels for His generosity. He supports those who support us. Everything our parents do for us originates from 'The Source of All Provision.' They provide for us because they have themselves been provided for. Every act of love and kindness we extend to our children and loved ones stems from our own experiences of being provided for.

​

Ways to Cultivate Gratitude

​

1. Practice humility and seek help from your Creator to become more appreciative of His blessings.

2. Instead of comparing your blessings to those who seem to have more, compare yourself to those who appear to have less, fostering a greater sense of gratitude for what you have.

3. Reflect on both loss and gain, using these experiences as opportunities for growth.

4. Share your experiences of loss with others, listening and learning from their stories.

5. Cultivate a habit of gratitude through your words and actions, such as thanking God each morning and evening for the gift of life and its opportunities, and expressing gratitude to others for their kindness.

6. Engage in reflection and mindfulness, practicing empathy for others during their times of loss.

7. Participate in charitable acts, extending your blessings to those in need. Use your unique blessings gifts and talents to help those in need- without expectation for return.

8. Pray for others, fostering a sense of connection and gratitude.

9. Practice fasting. By temporarily giving up food and water, you can develop empathy for those less fortunate and become more grateful for your basic provisions when you have them.

10. Use your unique blessings gifts and talents to help those in need.

​

​​​​

Some Scripture verses about 'Gratitude:'

​

'... And We have enjoined upon man concerning his parents- his mother conceived him in feebleness upon feebleness, and his weaning was in two years. Give thanks to Me and to your parents; to Me is the Destiny. Quran 31:14

​

‘…If anyone desires a reward in this life, We shall give it to him; and if anyone desires a reward in the Hereafter, We shall give it to him. And swiftly shall We reward those that (serve us with) gratitude.’ Quran 3:145

​

 

‘…Anyone who is grateful does so to the profit of his own soul…’ Quran 31:12

​

​

'..Do you not see that the ships sail in the ocean by the grace of God, that He may show you of some of His glories. Verily there are signs in this for those who are constant and give thanks.' Quran 31:31

​

​

‘I will praise God’s Name in Song and Glorify Him with thanksgiving.’ Psalm 69:30

​

 

‘If you are grateful, I would certainly give you more; and if you are ungrateful, My chastisement is truly severe.’  Quran 14:7

​

​

‘While the whole assembly of Israel was standing there, the king turned around and blessed them. Then he said:

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who with his own hand has fulfilled what he promised with his own mouth to my father David. For he said, ‘Since the day I brought my people Israel out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel to have a temple built so that my Name might be there, but I have chosen David to rule my people Israel.’

‘My father David had it in his heart to build a temple for the Name of the Lord, the God of Israel. But the Lord said to my father David, ‘You did well to have it in your heart to build a temple for my Name. Nevertheless, you are not the one to build the temple, but your son, your own flesh and blood—he is the one who will build the temple for my Name.’

‘The Lord has kept the promise he made: I have succeeded David my father and now I sit on the throne of Israel, just as the Lord promised, and I have built the temple for the Name of the Lord, the God of Israel. I have provided a place there for the ark, in which is the covenant of the Lord that he made with our ancestors when he brought them out of Egypt.’  1 Kings 8:14-21

​

​

 

‘Why should God punish you if you have thanked Him and have believed in Him. And God is Ever All-Appreciative (of good), All-Knowing.’ Quran 4:147

​

​

‘Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp.’ Psalm 147:7

​

​

​

'It is He who enables you to travel on land and sea until, when you are in ships and they sail with them by a good wind and they rejoice therein, there comes a storm wind and the waves come upon them from everywhere and they assume that they are surrounded, supplicating God, sincere to Him in religion, "If You should save us from this, we will surely be among the thankful." But when He saves them, at once they commit injustice upon the earth without right. O mankind, your injustice is only against yourselves, [being merely] the enjoyment of worldly life. Then to Us is your return, and We will inform you of what you used to do.' Quran 10:22-23

​

 

‘I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:  You have given me wisdom and power, You have made known to me what we asked of You, You have made known to us the dream of the king.’ Daniel 2:23

​

​

 

‘And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from God.’ Quran 16:53

​

 

“We bestowed wisdom on Luqman: ‘Show gratitude to God. Anyone who is grateful does so to profit his own soul: but whoever is ungrateful verily God is free of all wants worthy of praise.’” Quran 31:12

​

​

‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.’ Matthew 11:25–27

​

 

“Then when (Solomon)) saw it placed before him [referring to the throne of the Queen of Sheba], he said: ‘This is by the Grace of my Lord to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for (the good of) his own self, and whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his own self). Certainly! My Lord is Rich (Free of all wants), Bountiful.’” Quran 27: 40

​

​

‘I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your Wonderful Deeds.’ Psalm 9:1

​

 

‘He (Solomon) said: “My Lord! Inspire and guide me so that I may thank You for Your favour which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and so that I may act righteously in a manner that will please You; and include me (out of Your mercy) among Your righteous servants.”’ Quran 27:19

​

 

‘And We have enjoined upon man concerning his parents- his mother conceived him in feebleness upon feebleness, and his weaning was in two seasons. Give thanks to Me and to your parents; to Me is the Destiny.’ Quran 31:14

​

 

‘With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; His Love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the Foundation of the House of the Lord was laid.’ Ezra 3:11

​

​

'The offspring of those whom we bore with Noah; surely he was a grateful servant of God.' Quran 17:13

​

 

‘I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.’ Psalm 7:17

​

 

‘I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.’ Psalm 35:18

 

​

 

‘Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our Salvation/ Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the Great King Above all gods.’ Psalm 95:1-3

​

 

‘Enter His Gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His Name. For the Lord is Good and His Love endures Forever; His Faithfulness continues through all generations.’ Psalm 100:4-5

​

 

‘Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His Love endures Forever.’ Psalm 106:1

​

 

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his Unfailing Love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy. Psalm 107:21-22

​

 

‘Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love endures forever.’ Psalm 118:1

​

 

‘Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”’ Hebrews 12:28-29

​

​

​

 

‘Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’  Matthew 11:28-30

​

 

‘..took the seven loaves and the fish, and He gave thanks, broke them, and kept on giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.’ Matthew 15:36 

​

​

 

‘And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.’ Matthew 6:7–8

​

​