Paul counseled church members in Ephesus to “[give] thanks always for all things” (Ephesians 5:20).
Amulek urged the Zoramites to “live in thanksgiving daily” (Alma 34:38).
A revelation Joseph Smith received in 1832 helps us understand why expansive gratitude is so important: because gratitude opens our hearts to receive more blessings.
“Ye cannot bear all things now,” the Savior says (Doctrine and Covenants 78:18). He’s not talking about enduring hardships. He’s talking about receiving the “great blessings” which God has prepared for us and which we haven’t yet fully understood (Doctrine and Covenants 78:17). We’re not yet in a position to receive those amazing blessings, but there is something we can do to prepare:
He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.
Doctrine and Covenants 78:19
When we receive blessings gratefully, we open our hearts to receive more blessings. Gratitude drives away bitterness, cynicism, anxiety, and other emotional states which prevent us from accepting and utilizing God’s extraordinary gifts. We can’t bear all things yet, but if we receive all things gratefully, we will eventually inherit all things (Doctrine and Covenants 78:22).
Today, I will give thanks for the many blessings I have received and continue to receive. I will remember that gratitude opens my heart to additional blessings which God wants to give me and those I love.
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