Receiving Thanks

Maybe giving thanks isn’t the problem. Perhaps receiving the gratitude of others is more difficult.

After all, we’re supposed to be humble. And accepting accolades from others isn’t easy to do without appearing prideful. When someone expresses their appreciation of what you do for them it’s easy to slip into false humility. We cloak our fear so others won’t see who we are.

We know who we are and frankly many of us don’t like ourselves very much. Especially when we sin. And we do—all of us. That should be comforting, but it isn’t because in such moments when we recognize our failures and weaknesses we feel naked and, like Adam and Eve, ashamed.

We’re not supposed to sin. We know that. And so when we do, we feel guilty. That’s good. But our emotions don’t stop there. Even though God forgives us, we remember what we’ve done. In turn that produces in us a sense of unworthiness. And everyone knows that if you’re unworthy then you shouldn’t accept praise.

The truth is we all get it wrong sometimes, and other days we get it right. We fail in some areas and excel in others. The fact that we do should make accepting the gratitude of others easier.

When someone gives you a gift, writes a thank you note, recognizes your contribution publicly, calls you, or takes time to express their gratitude in person, you don’t have to say anything except, “Thank you.”

I’ve learned to accept the thanks of others for what I write. At first it was hard. But now, I can look someone in the eye and be genuinely grateful that what I write touched that person’s heart.

Whatever you do, this season, give yourself permission to open the gifts people want to give you.


Want to learn more? Visit http://praisechapelkingman.podblaze.com to hear a sermon by Senior Pastor Howard Pennington or any of our pastors or guest speakers.