Developing an Attitude of Gratitude (1) Why does an attitude of gratitude make a difference? Who should we be thankful to? How does it affect others, and ourselves? Do we say ‘thank you’ because it is good manners and polite to do so, or is there a Biblical basis for gratitude? To answer these questions, over the next few studies, we will be looking at some people in the Bible who modelled this attitude of praise and thankfulness, to see what we can learn from them. ABEL An offering is an act of gratitude, whereby we show our gratefulness by our actions. It is as much to do with our heart as with the gift itself. Read Genesis 4 verses 1-9: Abel gave: · Fat portions from the best of his flock · Something that was of value to himself, making it a sacrifice · Something worthy of the Lord · Something that was of significance (throughout the Bible the lamb is a symbol of sacrifice for sin) · Himself – the lamb signified a repentant heart Cain gave: · Vegetables and grain · An offering of convenience · A paltry, frugal offering of no worth or sacrifice · An ordinary, non-special offering that you might give to just anyone · Begrudgingly – no sign of repentance or sacrifice
Six Bible Studies on
Gratitude
God doesn’t necessarily look so much on the gift, as on the attitude of the giver. But the offering will often reveal the attitude. Jesus praised the woman at the Temple who gave just two small coins – because she gave all that she had. And so, God looked with favour on Abel because his aim was to worship and thank The Lord. But he looked on Cain’s offering with Abel disfavour because he knew Cain’s begrudging, jealous, and sinful heart.
Hannah
Abel’s offering was much more significant than he would have realised at the time, because Thein Psalms he is mentioned again several times more the Bible.
Simeon and Anna Read Matthew 23 verse 35: What adjective did Matthew use to describe Abel? ………………………………… . Jesus Abel did the right thing – he was a perfect example of a man of faith thankfully worshipping Paul his Lord, even though it cost him his life at the hand of Cain. His legacy was one of righteousness.
ANNE O’BRIEN
Read Hebrews 11 verse 4: How does the writer refer to Abel here? ………………………………………………………… . His desire to show his gratitude through sacrifice demonstrated his trust and faith in God. Let’s not forget Abel’s parents had walked and talked with the Lord in the Garden of Eden, so it should follow that Abel also worshipped The Lord. But, his brother Cain also had the same opportunity to learn and believe and he 1