TOPIC: GRATITUDE

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on The

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 107:21-22.
[21]Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
[22]And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

MEMORY VERSE: I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Psalms 9:1.

INTRODUCTION: Gratitude is fundamentally about not taking things for granted. Many believe that most things they get are their rights. They believe in their sweat, smartness, and intellect, hence, they see no reason they should give thanks to anyone, not even God Almighty. This is not only wrong but a wicked and dangerous act. To be grateful is to recognise the influence and blessings of the Lord in our lives. Gratitude also means thanksgiving, thankfulness, or appreciation.

OUTLINES:
1. SHOWING GRATITUDE
2. BENEFITS OF SHOWING GRATITUDE

1..SHOWING GRATITUDE
Thanksgiving should be the first fruit of our lips (Hebrews 13: 15). It should come out of a pure, broken, and contrite heart (Psalms 51:16-17). Thanksgiving should not be offered grudgingly or of necessity but willingly and cheerfully (Psalms 69:30).

Therefore, we can offer thanks to God with joyful noise (Psalms 95:2), singing (Psalms 13:6; 126:1-2), clapping of hands (Psalms 47:1), musical instruments and dancing (Psalms 150:3-6), etc. The offering of quality substances like our time, materials, properties, and money are other acceptable means of showing gratitude to God (Proverbs 3:9-10). We can also show gratitude with our labour of love in God’s vineyard (Hebrews 6:10).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention other ways of showing gratitude to God apart from the aforementioned.

2. BENEFITS OF SHOWING GRATITUDE
Some benefits of showing gratitude to God are stated below.
1. Our gratitude helps us glorify God as we focus on the giver and not the gifts (2 Corinthians 4:15).
2. It helps us feel God’s presence, His care, and perfect timing (Psalms 95:2; 103:13-14).

3. It makes us conform to God’s will (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
4. It brings peace, joy, and contentment (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Timothy 6:6-8).
5. It perfects our testimony (Luke 17:17-19).
6. It deepens our faith. Keeping a record of God’s past faithfulness is a faith booster when we face new difficulties (Psalms 103:2).
7. It aids our prayers (John 11:41-44).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention the benefits you derived from being grateful to God.

CONCLUSION: Gratitude should be part of our daily lives so that we can enjoy unending benefits.
QUESTIONS:
* How should believers show gratitude to God?
* Mention three benefits of showing gratitude to God.

ASSIGNMENT: In the light of the doctrine of “count your blessings, name them one by one,” make a list of 10 “blessings” you received in the out-gone year and praise God for His benevolence. (1×10=10 marks).