As Christians, we’ve most likely noticed a spirit of rampant ingratitude all around us. Being selfish and self-centered has become so commonplace that operating in thankfulness makes us stand out as different from others. The attitude we choose carries over into all aspects of our lives, including our relationships with others. In light of this, the wrong mindset actually works to isolate us from the relationships God wants us to have.

Being single is a season in our lives. The world has a way of making us feel guilty and inadequate for being in this season, even temporarily. We all have a need to be loved and united with someone, but we mustn’t compromise in this area. Submitting our hearts to God instead of to worldly values unites us with a love that has no boundaries.

Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. Love never stops loving (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, TPT).

If we want to find love, God is the perfect place to look. When we’re in Him and He’s in us, we come into contact with the very essence of love. He teaches us right-thinking while reminding us of His faithfulness. “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His faithful love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1-3, NLT). He wants a relationship with us; what we find in him is found nowhere on earth, and is truly cause for thankfulness.

It’s impossible to have a bad attitude when we experience Christ; negative emotions melt away. Letting the Holy Spirit influence us changes the way we think and attracts the right kind of people into our lives. Making God the center of our friendships allows Him to bless each one. His presence brings unity, peace, and godly love. “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.  Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace” (Ephesians 4:2, 3, NLT).

Giving thanks is pleasing to God. No matter what our situation is or what we may be going though at the moment, there’s always something to be grateful for. If nothing else, we can thank God for allowing us to wake up in the morning in our right minds and with the ability to breathe, think, reason, and have full use of our physical senses. Our attitude may be invisible, but people sense it right away when they come into contact with us. “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him” (Psalm 28:7).

All throughout the Old Testament we read about God’s faithful love, often mentioned in conjunction with giving thanks. Something good happens to our hearts when we praise Him. Self-centeredness is no match for thanksgiving. A mindset of gratitude serves us well.