In All Things



 D&C 59:21 teaches a foundational doctrine:

"And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments."

This scripture has been cited more than 75 times by prophets and general authorities.  75 times!! Obviously this is a scripture we should pay attention to! Here are just a few of the ways they prompt us to increase and show our gratitude for all we have been blessed with from our Heavenly Father. 

Elder Eyring notes that we thank God through how we honor and keep the Sabbath Day holy.

Elder Andersen says we thank God by looking around and finding God's hand not just in the big stories in far away places, but in the tiny miracles around us in our daily lives. 

Paul B Pieper prompts that we thank God by tuning into the promptings of the Spirit, reflecting on them and taking the time to write them down for ourselves and our posterity.

Elder Cook says, "It is extremely important that we have a spirit of gratitude in our hearts."

Carl B Pratt explains that paying our tithes and offerings helps us "develop a submissive and humble heart and a grateful heart that tends to “confess … his hand in all things”.

Elder Bednar challenges us to occasionally offer prayers filled with exclusively gratitude; don't ask for anything, just give appreciation.

Thomas S Monson reminds us that ingratitude is among the most serious sins, and likewise gratitude among the greatest virtues.

Neil A Maxwell teaches that we show gratitude by not murmuring.  He also says we can choose to build the habit of always offering thanks before we ever enjoy the fruits of His blessings. 

Gordon T Watts explained that we show gratitude by embracing joy and happiness.  "We must use caution not to be drawn into the growing populous of ungrateful people who have become calloused to blessings as they bicker in misery."

Lynn A Mickelson cautioned that we show gratitude by putting God first no matter what, never letting any worldly thing become more important. 

Helio R Carmago warns of how pride in our own achievements gets in the way of our true gratitude. "May human pride and pretensions never arise in us to cause us to imagine in those moments of personal victory or accomplishment that it is by our own merit that we have achieved."

James E Faust reminds that showing gratitude to the Lord  "is more than a social courtesy; it is a binding commandment."

Finally, while not citing this specific scripture, Bonnie D Parkin eloquently summarized, "Gratitude is a Spirit-filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God’s love. This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. When we communicate gratitude, we can be filled with the Spirit and connected to those around us and the Lord".  

One of these in particular stood out to me, so I know that's the one I would be wise to work on next.  Which one stands out to you?

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