Giving Thanks With A Grateful Heart

GIVING THANKS WITH A GRATEFUL HEART

Pastor Joel Bernardino – December 26, 2025

Hebrews 13:15, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”

In this message, we will learn what it truly means to have a grateful heart.

Gratitude is not something we practice only on special days like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Gratitude is a daily lifestyle.

A grateful heart is learned when we choose to accept the events of our lives—both good and difficult—with faith, humility, and trust in God.

True thanksgiving does not depend on circumstances.

It flows from a heart that recognizes who God is, not just what God gives.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO GIVE THANKS WITH A GRATEFUL HEART?

Hebrews 13:15 Explained

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God…”

1. “Let us continually offer…”

This tells us that thanksgiving is constant, not occasional.

• We praise God in every season—in abundance and in lack.

• Gratitude is not based on feelings but on faith.

• Even when life is difficult, God is still worthy of praise.

A grateful believer does not say, “I will praise God when everything is okay.”

Instead, they say, “I will praise God because He is God.”

2. “The sacrifice of praise”

Praise is called a sacrifice because it often costs us something.

• It is easy to praise when prayers are answered.

• It is harder to praise when we are hurting.

• But true worship happens when we choose praise despite pain.

A sacrifice means:

• Praise is intentional.

• Praise is a decision.

• Praise is an act of obedience.

3. “The fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name”

Gratitude must be expressed.

• Thanksgiving is heard in our words.

• Praise must come out of our mouths.

• Our lips declare God’s goodness, faithfulness, and glory.

A grateful heart cannot remain silent.

THANKSGIVING IS GOD’S WILL

1 Thessalonians 5:18

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

This verse does not say:

• Give thanks for everything

But it says:

• Give thanks in everything

We may not thank God for pain, loss, or trials—but we can thank Him because He is present, faithful, and working even in those moments.

ENTERING GOD’S PRESENCE WITH THANKSGIVING

Psalm 100:1–5

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise…”

The psalm teaches us that:

• Thanksgiving is the gateway to God’s presence.

• Praise prepares our hearts to encounter Him.

• Gratitude aligns our spirit with God’s heart.

THREE REASONS WHY WE PRAISE GOD

1. God is good

His goodness does not change with circumstances.

2. His mercy is everlasting

God’s mercy did not expire yesterday—it is new every morning.

3. His truth endures to all generations

God’s promises remain faithful—from the past, to the present, and into the future.

THE DANGER OF AN UNGRATEFUL HEART

Deuteronomy 28:47–48

God warned Israel that serving Him without joy and gratitude would lead to bondage.

Ungratefulness produces:

• Complaining

• Pride

• Spiritual blindness

Pride grows where gratitude is absent.

But humility grows where thanksgiving is practiced.

A grateful heart acknowledges:

“Everything I have comes from God.”

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN GRATITUDE AND HUMILITY

• Pride says, “I deserve this.”

• Gratitude says, “This is God’s grace.”

Ungratefulness leads us away from God.

Gratitude draws us closer to Him.

LIVING OUT A GRATEFUL LIFE

BE A DOER OF THE WORD

1. Make a gratitude list this week

Write down what you thank God for—big or small.

2. Share your gratitude with your family

Testify how a thankful life has changed your perspective.

3. Encourage others to live with a grateful heart

Gratitude is contagious—it inspires faith in others.

CLOSE

A grateful heart is not developed overnight.

It is cultivated daily through:

• Worship

• Obedience

• Trust in God

No matter what season you are in today, remember this:

God is still good.

God is still faithful.

God is still worthy of our praise.

Let us choose—every day—to give thanks with a grateful heart.