A New Framework:
Thankfulness in Every Relationship
Ben Johnson - September 6, 2026
Colossians 3:12-15 (NLT) – Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
THANKFULNESS sees VALUE in people, not simply for what they DO, but for who they ARE.
1 Samuel 23:15-18 (CEV) – One time, David was at Horesh in Ziph Desert. He was afraid because Saul had come to the area to kill him. But Jonathan went to see David, and God helped him encourage David. “Don’t be afraid,” Jonathan said. “My father Saul will never get his hands on you. In fact, you’re going to be the next king of Israel, and I’ll be your highest official. Even my father knows it’s true.” They both promised the Lord that they would always be loyal to each other. Then Jonathan went home, but David stayed at Horesh.
GAINING GRATITUDE FOR OUR RELATIONSHIPS
1. Gratitude changes what we SEE.
1 Thessalonians 5:14b-18 (NLT) – Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
2. Gratitude changes what we VALUE.
Psalm 107:1 (NLT) – Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
Psalm 107:33-35 (NLT) – He changes rivers into deserts, and springs of water into dry, thirsty land. He turns the fruitful land into salty wastelands, because of the wickedness of those who live there. But he also turns deserts into pools of water, the dry land into springs of water.
3. Gratitude changes what we DO.
Ephesians 5:15 & 20 – So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Gratitude moves us from FOCUSING on what’s missing to recognizing what we’ve ALREADY been given.
Life Group Discussion & Questions
BREAKING THE ICE: Who is someone in your life that has the ability to make your day lighter, no matter what kind of day you’re having? What is it about them?
DIGGING IN: Read Colossians 3:12-15 together. Discuss what stood out in the passage.
1. What is the difference between looking at a relationship through the lens of what is missing and looking at it through the lens of what God has given us?
2. Think about a relationship that has been difficult or disappointing. What might God want you to see differently about that person or relationship?
3. Jonathan saw David as a gift, not a threat or competitor. Who has God placed in your life that you may be taking for granted, and what do you genuinely value about who they are?
4. What does gratitude look like when it moves beyond a feeling and becomes something we say, show, or do in our relationships?
5. Who is one person God has placed in your life that you need to see differently, value more deeply, or intentionally appreciate this week? What will you do?
BRINGING IT HOME: As you close, take a quiet moment and pray this simple prayer: Lord, thank You for the people You have placed in our lives. Thank You for the friends, family members, mentors, encouragers, and even the difficult relationships You use to shape us and draw us closer to You. Forgive us for the times we’ve focused so much on what is missing that we’ve failed to recognize the gifts You’ve already given us. Help us to see people with grateful hearts, to appreciate who they are rather than simply what they do, and to become people who bring encouragement, grace, and gratitude into every relationship. Thank You for the people who have been our “gifts” in difficult seasons, and help us never take those relationships for granted. In Jesus’ name, amen.