Episode 246 - The Importance of Gratitude

One of the healthiest attitudes any person or nation can possess is gratitude. During the height of the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln formalized Thanksgiving as an annual, nationwide holiday on the last Thursday of November. Despite the horrific internal conflict, the nation had been blessed with fruitful fields, preserved peace with foreign nations, and had a growing population. Therefore, He concluded that they are “…the gracious gifts of the most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every thing give thanks.”Grateful people recognize that blessings are gifts from God, not merely achievements of human effort. As we celebrate our nation’s freedoms, may we remember to thank God for His mercy and blessings.