Hitting the Mark on Gratitude (1/2)
As we are closing in on this year’s Thanksgiving, we will be shifting our focus from our fall program toward the practice of Gratitude and how it continues to be an important presence in our spiritual practice. Similar to Love, the appropriate use of Gratitude in our lives can have a life-changing impact on our spiritual growth and that of others. Join us this Sunday for this first of two parts on Gratitude, and enjoy uplifting music and warm fellowship.
Watch & Listen
Sermon Notes
Scripture
Christianity
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer.” (1 Timothy 4:4-5)
Judaism
“Be not like those who honor their gods in prosperity and curse them in adversity. In pleasure or pain, give thanks!” (Mekilta [Midrash] to Exodus 20:20)
Islam
“And ‘remember’ when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. But if you are ungrateful, surely My punishment is severe.’” (Qur’an 14:5)
Buddhism
“The Blessed One said, ‘Now what is the level of a person of no integrity? A person of no integrity is ungrateful and unthankful. This ingratitude, this lack of thankfulness, is advocated by rude people. It is entirely on the level of people of no integrity. A person of integrity is grateful and thankful. This gratitude, this thankfulness, is advocated by civil people. It is entirely on the level of people of integrity.’” (Katannu Sutta)
African Traditional Religions
“One upon whom We bestow kindness
But will not express gratitude,
Is worse than a robber
Who carries away our belongings.” (Yoruba Proverb [Nigeria])
Metaphysical Interpretations
sin—Missing the mark; falling short of the divine law. The divine law is the law of God, the law of Being; it is the underlying principle of every man's being and of the universe.
repentance—The Greek word metanoia is translated "repentance," which has been interpreted to mean an admission to God of sorrow for past sin and a resolve to be good in the future…Metanoia means change of mind, middle mind, transformation of the mind, change of thought and purpose
forgiveness—A process of giving up the false for the true; erasing sin and error from the mind and body. It is closely related to repentance, which is a turning from belief in sin to belief in God and righteousness.
