Printer Friendly Topic: Gratitude
Author: John Henry Jowett / Illustration Exchange
Scripture: Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 17:22
Source: Illustration Exchange

“Gratitude is a vaccine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic.”

— John Henry Jowett
[John Henry Jowett (1864-1922) was an English pastor and teacher who shepherded prominent churches in both England and America. Renown for his depth of Bible knowledge, his motto was, “I have had but one passion, and I have lived for it-the absorbingly arduous yet glorious work of proclaiming the grace and love of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”]

Application:

Gratitude is a vaccine … by focusing on that which is praiseworthy, gratitude inoculates us against the disease of bitterness and resentment.

Gratitude is an antitoxin … by focusing on that which is praiseworthy we counteract the poisonous lie of the Evil One that says trials are proof that God has abandoned us.

Gratitude is an antiseptic … by focusing on that which is praiseworthy we sterilize our thoughts of all that would breed the germ of discontent.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

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