It is very tempting to practice virtue and integrity of character when it is natural and/or easy to do so, and fall into self-justification or self-condemnation when it’s not. While it is always good to be faithful in doing the good works God has prepared for us to do, and living honourable lives, I believe we are called to be intentional and disciplined in pressing forward towards the divine transformation of our identity and character, so that we increasingly live out supernatural virtue and character for which we can’t take any credit, to the glory of God and the growth of His Kingdom. And I’ve come to believe that gratitude plays a pivotal role in this process.
Scripture References: Acts 27:1-28:16, Nehemiah 8:10, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Colossians 3:15-17, Matthew 13:31-32