Gratitude is one of the most beautiful ways we show love and appreciation to God and to others. When we say “thank you,” we open our hearts to joy and invite even more blessings into our lives. But does being grateful really make God’s blessings permanent? In this collection of essays, children share their thoughts, stories, and faith-filled reflections on the power of gratitude and how it deepens our relationship with God. BETTY AMUKPO reports:
‘The Bible doesn’t explicitly state that gratitude makes God’s blessings permanent’
The Bible doesn’t explicitly state that gratitude makes God’s blessings permanent, as all good gifts from God are ultimately rooted in His unchanging character, steadfast love and faithfulness. Scripture tells us that the lifestyle of gratitude opens the door for continued and multiplied blessings, deepens one’s relationship with God and is an expression of faith. Psalm 136:1 state “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever!!!” Luke 17:11-19 tells us that only the one who returned to give thanks was made completely well (Your faith has made you well) while the other nine were physically cleansed but missed the deeper blessing of a transformed relationship with Jesus.
• Francis Chibunna Umennadi
‘By showing appreciation, we enhance our relationship with God’
Expressing gratitude is a strong way to recognise God’s blessings, and the Bible urges us to be thankful in every situation (1 Thessalonians 5:18). By showing appreciation, we acknowledge God’s goodness and care, which can enhance our relationship with Him. As stated in Psalm 107:1, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love lasts forever.”
• Arnold Akalezi
‘Gratitude opens the door to lasting blessings’
Gratitude opens the door to lasting blessings. When we thank God, He adds more (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The grateful leper was made whole (Luke 17:15-19). Giving thanks brings increase (Psalm 100:4). Truly, gratitude makes God’s blessings permanent. A thankful heart attracts God’s favour. “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The one leper who returned was completely healed (Luke 17:15-19). “Bless the Lord and forget not His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). Gratitude indeed secures God’s blessings.
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘Gratitude keeps His blessings alive in our lives’
Yes, gratitude helps sustain and multiply God’s blessings. When we thank God, we acknowledge His goodness and invite continued favour. The one leper who returned to thank Jesus was made whole, not just healed (Luke 17:15– 19). Gratitude deepens our relationship with God and keeps His blessings alive in our lives (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
• Agbo Josephine
‘Gratitude can supercharge our prayers and open the way to permanent healing’
Gratitude is acknowledging blessings, recognising God’s love, and a lifestyle of thankfulness. Being grateful to God is simply for our own good, the liturgy reminds us of this again and again: “You have no need of our praise, yet our desire to thank you is itself your gift. Our prayer of thanksgiving adds nothing to your greatness, but makes us grow in holiness” (Preface of Weekdays IV). Gratitude to God helps us to grow in holiness, it also helps us to get more blessings from God, especially when our gratitude is done with a sincere heart and love for God. (Luke 17:11-19). The Samaritan leper got more than he expected – because of his grateful heart. All 10 received physical mercy, but gratitude led only one of them to spiritual mercy as well. Gratitude can supercharge our prayers and open the way to permanent healing and liberating progress. Let’s develop a habit of thanksgiving, appreciating the abundant blessings God has bestowed upon us. Remember, giving thanks with a grateful heart is not only God’s will for us, but it also brings us closer to the abundant life He has promised.
• Ivy Chimamaka Okereke
‘A heart full of thankfulness draws God’s ongoing favour’
Gratitude ensures that God’s blessings endure, as it demonstrates recognition and appreciation for His goodness. When we express thanks, we encourage God to continue His work and maintain what He has already given. In Luke 17:15–19, the lone leper who returned to express gratitude to Jesus was fully restored, while the others experienced only healing. A heart full of thankfulness draws God’s ongoing favour and guarantees that His blessings last in our lives.
• Blossom Akalezi
