Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Paul was grateful for the relationships in his life. In his letters to the Christians in Philippi, Thessalonica, and to Timothy, he explicitly gives thanks for those relationships. Despite the many challenges and suffering Paul experienced along the way, he found time to think of others and let them know how much he appreciated them. He didn’t permit his own circumstances to move him toward selfishness. His gratitude kept him focused on others.

A grateful heart can free us from being selfish. By definition, self-centered people are constantly looking out for number one. “I’ve got to look out for me, because nobody else is going to do it!” A self-centered person often struggles with the belief that God cares for them because they have pushed Him and others away. This can lead to loneliness, which in turn causes anxiety. As mentioned before, God created us to be in relationships, not to be isolated. When we lack this essential connection, feelings of anxiety and fear can sneak in.

A grateful person realizes that everything I have comes from God. Gratitude helps me focus less on myself and my needs because it reminds me that God will take care of me. When I’m not preoccupied with my worries, I can focus on you and build our relationship!

Where can a grateful heart move you away from selfishness and toward more meaningful relationships?