The Health Benefits Of Having An "Attitude Of Gratitude"

According to various studies conducted by doctors around the country, having an "attitude of gratitude" promotes good physical health. Volunteers who kept weekly gratitude journals, reported fewer aches and pains than those who recorded daily hassles or neutral events.

In promoting strong emotional health, one doctor tells folks to think of someone who has made an important difference in their lives. Then he asks them to write a story of how that person has helped them, and then visit that person and read the story aloud. Tests indicate that people who had done so were happier and reported fewer episodes of depression.

The apostle Paul had a long list of people who had helped him and for whom he was grateful (Romans 16:1-16). He wrote a letter of thanks to the brethren at Rome, telling them that Phoebe had “been a helper,” Priscilla and Aquila had “risked their own necks” for his life, and Mary had “labored much” for him. These Christians had shaped Paul’s life for the better.

Let’s ask ourselves, “Who has helped shape our life for the better?” Could we write them a letter of gratitude — for their sake and for ours?

Dear reader, let’s count our blessings each and every day!

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets