Gratitude isn’t just a one-time event that rolls around every November; it’s a lifestyle, a deliberate choice to focus on the blessings in our lives rather than on our circumstances.
Notice the Bible doesn’t command us to feel thankful in all circumstances. Instead it commands us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” When I begin to praise God in a difficult situation, even if I don’t feel like it, many times the scales fall from my eyes and I begin to see glimpses of His glory sprinkled on the black backdrop of the situation like diamonds on black velvet.
Charismatic people don’t think so much about themselves and how other people are going to meet their needs, or dwell on how their needs aren’t being met. Instead, they focus on meeting the needs of others.
What’s the key to getting along with others? It’s putting yourself in their place, instead of putting them in their place. It’s about treating others the way you want to be treated—or better yet, how they want to be treated.
We have to love God with all our hearts and then make a decision to love the people around us. God has given us the formula for love: To love Him, to love ourselves, so that we can love our fellowman. That means we’ve got to put God first and make a decision to get under His umbrella of love.
Walking in love gives God the opportunity to move in our lives. After all, how much fun is life if we can’t get along with others? Former President Teddy Roosevelt believed that this was the secret to happiness. Make no mistake; if you’re hard to get along with, you won’t have a very happy life.