Gratitude for the Cross
- Eric Whittle
- Nov 16
- 2 min read
When we talk about having a grateful heart, we usually start with the blessings we see around us—our families, our health, our jobs, our church. And those things are worth giving thanks for. But at the center of our gratitude—the foundation of everything we have and everything we are—is the cross.
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” He’s talking about Jesus—the Son of God who gave His life for ours. The One who bore our sin, took our punishment, and opened the door to eternal life. There is no greater gift. There is no deeper reason to be thankful.
And when we live with that kind of gratitude—gratitude that starts at the foot of the cross—it changes everything. It changes how we treat people. It changes how we pray. It changes how we worship, how we forgive, how we give, and how we serve.
That’s why we need to remind ourselves often—and remind our kids—that Christianity is not just about being good or going to church. It’s about recognizing what Jesus did for us and responding with hearts full of love, humility, and thankfulness.
This is what we want to pass on to the next generation: not just a faith that’s memorized, but a faith that is deeply moved by the sacrifice of Jesus. A faith that says, “I love because He first loved me.” A faith that lives with open hands and a grateful heart.
So as we head toward Thanksgiving, don’t just count your blessings—look to the cross. And let that be the greatest “thank you” your heart ever speaks.
Always remember—you are loved.
Eric
Comments