Not much can bring down a mood more than complaining. Complaining overlooks all of the good things that we have in our lives and focuses only on the difficulties we are facing. When we complain, we are blind to all of the good gifts that God has given us. There is a better way of life than having a complaining attitude, and that is growing in our relationships with Christ by letting go of complaining and choosing gratitude instead.
What common things do people complain about today?
1. Describe the impact of complaining, both on us and the people around us.
2. Read Philippians 2:14-15. Summarize the command that is given in this passage of Scripture.
Philippians 2:14-15
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
3. What is the impact of obeying the command in this passage of Scripture?
4. Read Habakkuk 3:17-19. Where did the prophet Habakkuk look for satisfaction and contentment, and how did that impact him?
Habakkuk 3:17-19
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! 19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.
1. On a scale of 1-10, how are you doing when it comes to showing gratitude instead of grumbling?
2. How can we fight against the temptation to complain according to this passage of Scripture?
3. What is the impact of regularly practicing gratitude?
One of the ways we can practice defiant gratitude is by listing three things that we are grateful for every day. For the next week, write down three things that you are grateful for every day. When you come back together next week, share the impact of practicing gratitude. Start now. Take a few minutes to write down three things that you are grateful for. When everyone is finished, share what you wrote. End your time together praying, thanking God for the good gifts He has given each one of you.
When it comes to showing gratitude, there is no one more deserving of our deep gratitude than God. He is the One who created us, who takes care of us, and gives us good gifts every day. Let's take a few moments now to see how we can express gratitude to God each day so that we will become more grateful people.
We can express our gratitude to God by praising Him. After all, He is a good God who is worthy of all of the praise, honor, and glory that we can offer. There is no one or nothing greater than Him. Let's take a look at what Scripture teaches about praising God.
1. Read Psalm 100:1-5.
Psalm 100:1-5
Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. 3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
2. How are we to praise God, according to this passage of Scripture?
3. What reasons does this passage of Scripture give for why we are to praise God?
4. How has God proven Himself worthy of praise in your life?
Of course, one of the ways we can show gratitude to God is by saying, "Thank you." He gives us good gifts every single day. The question is, do we recognize the gifts and say "Thank you," or do we take His gifts for granted?
1. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
2. When are we called to be thankful?
3. What is the impact of showing gratitude to God?
4. What is one thing you are thankful to God for today?
The goodness of God is too good for us to keep to ourselves. There is a world in need of the hope of Christ, and when we tell the people around us how God has been good to us, we are not only expressing gratitude, we are pointing others to Him. Let’s turn to Scripture to see what it has to teach us about telling others about His goodness.
1. Read Psalm 71:15-16.
Psalm 71:15-16
I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. 16 I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord. I will tell everyone that you alone are just.
2. What does the Psalmist of Psalm 71 say he will tell everyone about?
3. What is the impact of sharing with others about God’s goodness and faithfulness?
4. Who in your life are you telling about God’s goodness and faithfulness?
Take a few moments now to share God’s goodness with the people around you. Share with your group one way God has been good to you this week. After everyone has shared, pray a prayer of gratitude, thanking God for how He has been so good to each one of you.
©2025 Sagebrush Church
