Tag: Gratitude

Cultivating a Grateful Heart

During the season of Lent, we often emphasize repentance, sacrifice, and self-examination as we prepare ourselves for the joy of Easter Sunday.


Yet thanksgiving is a spiritual discipline we should not ignore. We are to be thankful in every circumstance and in every situation.
Not just in the good times, but also in the hard and difficult times, we can recognize that God is present, faithful, and still in control of our lives.


Lent invites us to slow down and see God’s grace in places we might overlook in our daily lives due to constantly being on the move. When we practice gratitude, our attitude toward life and God begins to change. Instead of complaining, we are filled with joy. Instead of being anxious, we are filled with peace, learning to trust in God. Even in suffering, we encounter God’s love and faithfulness in a deeper way.


Giving thanks in all circumstances does not ignore our pain or challenges in life; rather, we learn to see God with renewed faith and reverence. It reminds us that God’s goodness and faithfulness are far greater than our struggles. Through Jesus Christ, we are reminded that death on the cruel, cold cross leads to triumphant resurrection.


Reflection Questions:
(1) What circumstances in my life right now do I find it hard to give thanks for? Why?


(2) How can I practice gratitude even in challenging situations, putting my full trust in God?


(3) When have I experienced God’s grace in a difficult time before? What did I learn from it?

(4) How can gratitude change the way I see my daily life, relationships, and struggles?
In what practical ways can I express thankfulness to God today?

(5) How might practicing gratitude help me grow spiritually during this season of Lent as I prepare for Easter?

The Joy of Feasting on “Vegetables”?

“Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred” (Proverbs 15:17, NIV).

I had a picnic lunch with my buddy, Su Juan, today. We enjoyed the scenery, the melodic chirpings of the birds flying above us, and the soft and gentle breeze blowing on our faces.

As a full-time pastor, I realise what I eat and drink is important to optimise my health for ministry. What we eat and drink are important for our well-being but our attitudes when we are receiving our food are equally important. We may be having an abundant feast with the finest of food and in the grandest of place, but if we are not thankful for what we have, or if we do not get along with the people we are dining with, we will not enjoy the meal.

The next time we sit down together for a meal with our companions, thank the Lord for them. It may be a simple meal, it may be with your parents, it may be with your closest friends, it may be with your colleagues. It is the companionship that counts. Look them in the eyes. Pay attention to what they are saying. Show that you care. Minister to them.  Enjoy each other’s presence.

Life is short. We should treasure the people in our lives and appreciate them while we still can. Don’t take them for granted.

Choose Gratitude

I was in the garden this morning when dad showed me a plant (photo below). He said the fruits of this plant are poisonous.

It is such a beautiful plant but unfortunately it carries poison. It reminds: don’t look nice on the outside but is filled with poison on the inside.

The Bible verse for my meditation this morning is from Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived: God can not be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (NIV). If I have poison in me, I will bear fruits that are poisonous. I will reap poisonous consequences. They will bring damage to me, cost me my health as well as destroy my relationships with others. They will also break my love relationship with God because the poison gets in the way of receiving His love and His healing grace.

Bitterness is the poison to the soul. Therefore, it is important to cultivate gratitude. Choose gratitude. Count our blessings daily. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones”. Bitterness will make us rot on the inside and then it will show up on the outside.

Whenever I feel frustrated, whiny, complain-y about the circumstances I am in, or getting bitter and jealous at someone, I will bring this matter to God. I tell Him how I feel, and I grumble to Him and let Him know my frustrations. He already knows what is in my heart and He is eager to hear about it from me.

Bitterness dries up my soul. May I encourage you to choose joy. If there is something you are not so happy about, bring this matter to God, for He cares for you.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for harbouring bitterness, anger, resentment, and frustrations. I admit these emotions eat me up and destroy my relationships with You and with the people around me. Give me a heart of thankfulness and to a heart of gratitude to remember Your blessings and goodness to me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.