Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying to you into action steps. These talking points, questions and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step. Don’t feel like you have to answer every question. Pick out the questions that will stir up conversation and action among your group.
What is one of the greatest gifts you have ever received from another person?
Why was the gift so special?
How did you show gratitude?
Read Luke 17:11-19.
In this passage, we see what ingratitude looks like when only one of the ten men who Jesus healed returned to thank Him.
What are some of the reasons we aren’t as grateful as we should be?
Are you more like the nine lepers who didn’t show gratitude, or the one leper who returned and thanked Jesus?
How can we become more like “the one” leper?
What does gratitude toward God look like? How often do you show it?
Read Luke 15:11-32.
In this passage, Jesus shares the Parable of the Lost Son. In the story, the youngest son “wanted it now” while the oldest son thought he “deserved more.”
• Which of these two ungrateful mindsets do you struggle with the most?
• How has ingratitude influenced your behavior and decisions?
• In what ways do you feel entitled?
Read Philippians 4:11-13, Ecclesiastes 6:9 and Proverbs 15:15-16.
These verses encourage us to be content in all areas of life.
• In what areas of your life are you experiencing the most discontentment? How can you become more content?
• What are some ways to cultivate gratitude in your daily life?
• Who do you need to express gratitude toward? How will you do that?
next steps
Here are some specific things you can do this week to help you cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your life and keep it from being a forgotten virtue:
This week, take time to express your gratitude to someone. It may be something as simple as a phone call or email, or as elaborate as taking someone to lunch or giving a gift. Any gesture that expresses sincere gratitude is a great place to start!
Express your gratitude to God for all He has done in your life. You can show Him thanks by simply telling Him, by spending time with Him, or by serving Him and/or others in a special way.
Talk It Over with God:
• Confess the areas where you have felt a sense of entitlement.
• Ask God to help you cultivate an attitude of gratitude in all areas of your life.
• Thank God for all He has done in your life! Praise Him and give Him glory.
• Commit to show gratitude to God and others.
g-ram
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