24 November 2021

Exploring the Deeper Reaches of Gratitude

24 November 2021 |

I know that a lot of people think gratitude is a weak topic. I don’t.

If gratitude is merely courtesy, then why does it come up throughout the Bible as an essential ingredient of the Christian life? David is always thanking God. Jesus is always thanking God. Paul is always thanking God and “the saints.”
Just words, or something more? Does gratitude have some deep reaches that we’re not seeing into?
Why does God need to be thanked? Doesn’t it sometimes seem superfluous to thank God—like just adding some words in a prayer that we hardly mean? What are we not bringing to thankfulness that makes that part of the prayer so chore-like?
What’s the psychology of gratitude, to the giver and receiver? There must be more to it than mere courtesy or a selfish “lively anticipation of future favors.”
Perhaps gratitude is an overlapping category to praise, genuine appreciation, encouragement, etc.?
Is there action to thankfulness, beyond mere words?

In this ATSS, Stephen Chavez and a group of friends will search out topics and stories on the deeper meanings of gratitude.

Moderator:

Stephen Chavez is a retired editor of the Adventist Review.

ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM.

Times around the world:

The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM.

The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum. We discuss and ask questions politely. We don’t accuse, get angry, or put people down.
Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand—under the “reactions” button.
Please use your name when you sign in! Not your phone number, not your initials. This will help us differentiate you from unwelcome guests who want to disrupt us. You can set your name after signing on by clicking on the 3 dots next to your picture, which drops down a menu.
If it should happen that we are attacked so that we have to stop the meeting, we’ll quickly post a new meeting link on our AT Facebook page.

We look forward to getting acquainted with you!