"Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character. We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten all around them. They make others feel better about themselves. They tend to be more humble, more joyful, more likable.
"You might be surprised to know that gratitude is a commandment of the Father. 'Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things' (D&C 59:7), the Lord has commanded in these latter days. Even further, He has admonished that 'in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments' (D&C 59:21).
"In the Book of Mormon we learn that we should 'live in thanksgiving daily' (Alma 34:38). Isn't that a wonderful thought to live in thanksgiving daily? Can you imagine how your life would improve if you lived in thanksgiving daily? Can you imagine how your life would improve if others did the same? Do you think the world would be a happier place? less stressful? less angry? more spiritual?"
- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Live in Thanksgiving Daily," BYU Devotional, 31 October 2000; see Ensign, Sept 2001, pp. 6-13
Click here to read the full talk
I have experienced what Elder Wirthlin describes — the positive feelings that come when I'm around someone who expresses gratitude easily and sincerely. That kind of person really does "brighten all around them." They are happy, likable people.
The scriptural encouragement to "live in thanksgiving daily" is a wonderful reminder, and it's easy to see the positive benefits as we make efforts in that direction.
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