Gratitude Illustrations
209 illustrations evoking gratitude
Theology of Humility - Commentary
A biblical commentary on this insight The theological significance of humility lies in its connection to God's character.
The Invitation: Receive the Gift - Baptist (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Every Baptist invitation appeals to Ephesians 2:8-9: you cannot earn salvation, but you CAN receive it. Billy Graham preached it millions of times: "Come as you are—not as you ought to be, not as you ...
Love That Sees the Neighbor's Need - Lutheran (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Luther described love as "seeking not its own" but flowing outward toward the neighbor. "Love does not insist on its own way." In marriage, friendship, community, love asks: what does the OTHER need? ...
The Doctrines of Grace - Reformed (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Ephesians 2:8-9 is bedrock Reformed theology. "By grace"—God's initiative. "Through faith"—the instrument, not the cause. "This is not from yourselves"—even faith is gift. "Not by works"—human effort ...
The Missionary Who Lost Everything - Missional (Psalm 23)
A missionary family lost everything in a flood—home, possessions, ministry materials, years of work. Evacuated with nothing, they sat in a shelter as Psalm 23 came over the radio. "I shall not want." ...
Christ's Work, Our Salvation - Christocentric (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Karl Barth emphasized: read carefully—"By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the GIFT of God." The gift IS Christ. Grace isn't abstract; it's Jesus. Faith ...
The Anointing That Overflows - Charismatic (Psalm 23)
"You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." In biblical times, hosts anointed honored guests with oil. The imagery is lavish welcome, abundant blessing. The charismatic tradition emphasizes: God ...
The Community as Green Pasture - Anabaptist (Psalm 23)
A Mennonite farmer faced foreclosure during the farm crisis of the 1980s. His community gathered—not just to pray but to pay. Families contributed what they could; the farm was saved. One neighbor sai...
The Eucharistic Table of Psalm 23 - Catholic (Psalm 23)
"You prepare a table before me"—Catholics see this fulfilled in the Eucharist. Every Mass, the Lord prepares a table: bread become Body, wine become Blood. The Shepherd feeds His flock with Himself. P...
The Closed Door That Was God's Protection - Pentecostal (Proverbs 3:5-6)
A businessman prayed desperately for a deal to go through. Every door closed. He was devastated—it made no sense. Months later, the company he would have partnered with collapsed in scandal. Had the d...
Grace Enabling Faith - Wesleyan (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Wesley agreed: we're saved by grace through faith, not works. But he emphasized: grace ENABLES faith. Prevenient grace precedes our response, making faith possible. Saving grace accomplishes what we c...
Finding Worship in Everyday Moments
Worship isn't just about singing songs—it's about living a life that honors God. Consider the story of Robert, a construction worker who decided to see his job as an act of worship. Instead of just bu...
Lessons from Justice - Quote
This truth has been expressed by many throughout history. Justice isn't just a political issue—it's a biblical mandate. Consider the story of Marcus, a lawyer who decided to use his skills to help imm...
The Master's Canvas
A famous artist was known for creating masterpieces from damaged canvases. He would take torn, stained, or discarded canvases and transform them into beautiful works of art. One day, a student asked, 'Master, why don't you start with perfect canvases?...
Bonhoeffer on Cheap Grace
Dietrich Bonhoeffer warned against 'cheap grace'—grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ. He wrote, 'Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Costly gra...
Quote by George Bernard Shaw
"Yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future, today is a gift - that's why it's called the present." - George Bernard Shaw
Quote by Amelia Earhart
"A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees." - Amelia Earhart