When Gratitude Becomes a Way of Life

Have you ever noticed how far some people will go to squeeze every last bit of toothpaste out of the tube? They roll it, fold it, flatten it, and sometimes even step on it.

That level of effort makes sense for toothpaste.

Gratitude, on the other hand, does not always come out naturally. At least not for me. Grumbling does. Grumbling is effortless. Gratitude often feels more like eating kale. You know it’s good for you, but you have to work at it. Grumbling is like donuts. No effort required, and somehow you always have room for more.

Yet Paul says that gratitude should not have to be squeezed out of us. When our lives are rooted in Christ, thankfulness should overflow.

Gratitude is not something we force. It is the natural result of a life built in Christ.

A Life That Overflows

Paul writes: “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6–7)

We have spent weeks in these two verses because they frame what it means to live in Christ.

Paul stacks his words intentionally. A life built to last begins with receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord. It continues by living in him, drawing identity and direction from him. That life is rooted, built up, and strengthened by God’s work.

All of those descriptions are passive. They describe what God does in us.

But “overflowing” is different. It is active. It describes how we respond to what God is doing.

Gratitude is not a one-time thank-you note. It is not a box you check and move on from. Gratitude is like breathing. You do not take one deep breath in the morning and call it good for the day. You breathe continually.

Paul says gratitude works the same way.

Gratitude in All Circumstances

Paul writes elsewhere: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

Notice what Paul does not say. He does not say give thanks only on good days. Gratitude is easy when life is going well. But what about the hard moments? When your toddler melts down in the grocery store or your roommate eats your leftovers.

Thankfulness is meant to be the posture of a Christian heart.

Paul connects gratitude directly to peace:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6–7)

Imagine finding out you might lose your job. Anxiety rushes in. What-ifs take over. Instead of replaying worst-case scenarios, you pray: “Lord, I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I thank you for how you have always provided for me.”

Nothing has changed on the outside. But something shifts on the inside. Your heart settles. Your worry loosens its grip. You walk into work with a peace that does not make sense to anyone else.

That is the peace of God.

Gratitude Changes Us

Modern neuroscience confirms what Paul taught centuries ago. Gratitude is good for us. When we practice thankfulness, our brains release dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals improve our mood and resilience.

God designed us this way.

When we overflow with thankfulness, it does not just honor God. It actually changes us. Gratitude rewires our thought patterns. It reroutes pathways that once led toward anxiety, greed, or selfishness.

Gratitude strengthens our minds, our bodies, and our relationships with God and others.

Faith Made Visible

In Luke 17, Jesus heals ten lepers. All ten are healed. Only one comes back to say thank you.

His gratitude was not just good manners. It was faith made visible. He did not simply receive the gift. He recognized the Giver.

That recognition became the turning point.

For many of us, faith does not begin with having everything figured out. It begins by noticing the grace that is already around us.

A Grateful Life

I believe the practice of gratitude can reframe your life and open your eyes to God’s presence in everyday moments.

So let’s make gratitude a daily habit. And let’s make it visible this week. When you do, others will see Christ in you through your thankfulness.

And Calvary, we truly are a blessed church. Let’s continue to be a blessing to others, overflowing with thankfulness as God works in us.