Gratitude is such a great and wonderful thing in Scripture that I feel constrained to end this chapter with a tribute. There are ways that gratitude helps brings about obedience to Christ. One way is that the spirit of gratitude is simply incompatible with some sinful attitudes. I think this is why Paul wrote, “There must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:4). Gratitude is a humble, happy response to the good will of someone who has done or tried to do you a favor. This humility and happiness cannot coexist in the heart with coarse, ugly, mean attitudes. Therefore the cultivation of a thankful heart leaves little room for such sins.
- John Piper, Future Grace, via Kevin DeYoung, "Stuffed with Gratitude"
grateful: for a 30 egg, 42 sausage breakfast; for family visits; for a hazy, lovely, trip to the beach; for mourning with those who mourn and rejoicing with those who rejoice; for the crispy fried shrimp and the tangy sweet of Orange Julius; for the easy comfort of football with the best-est; for grace for grace for grace.
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