Gratitude in a World of Beauty and Brokenness

Every day we wake up in a world that presents us with a choice—a choice about how we will respond in our thoughts and emotions to whatever comes our way. Our attitude flows from our perspective.

Two perspectives stand before us. We can view the world as awful or as awesome. And whichever we choose will shape the disposition of our hearts.

A World of Beauty and Brokenness

Our world is both very good and very broken. Daily life includes joys and sorrows, delights and disappointments, beauty and sin. From quiet breakfasts to crowded stadiums, every place can feel like a foretaste of heaven or a reminder of the fall.

Why is the world like this?

We Live in a Good World

Scripture explains this reality clearly: a good and all-wise God created a beautiful world (Genesis 1). His creation reflects His character (Romans 1:20). Everything we enjoy—warm blankets, refreshing water, laughter, friendships, breathtaking views—exists because God made it (John 1:3). He is good (Psalm 100:5; 145:9). Creation is filled with gifts that flow from His goodness.

We Live in a Broken World

And yet the world is cursed. Humanity rebelled (Genesis 3), and now creation groans under sin’s weight (Romans 8:21–22). We live among storms and sunsets, kindness and cruelty, honey and thorns. Every human being exists under these two realities.

Life Is Received, Not Controlled

We are creatures, not the Creator. Life comes to us; we do not command it (1 Corinthians 4:7). From peaceful mornings to stubbed toes, from the best days to painful trials—life unfolds beyond our control. We receive circumstances, both sweet and bitter.

“For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45)

Even in a fallen world, we are flooded with daily mercies (James 1:17). If life feels too dark to see them, try writing down ten small blessings—warmth, clean water, a kind word, a sunrise. They are gifts from God.

Why Gratitude Doesn’t Come Naturally

If we receive so much good, why aren’t we naturally thankful? Because the curse reached not only creation—but our hearts. Humanity doubts God’s goodness (Genesis 3:1–5). We do not thank Him (Romans 1:21). We blame Him but do not acknowledge His kindness (Proverbs 19:3).

Thankfulness is relational. It requires recognizing a Giver. And apart from Christ, we live as enemies of God (Ephesians 2:1–8; Romans 5:8–10).

The Good News That Produces Gratitude

Praise God—the story does not end there. Before we realized our rebellion, God moved toward us in love (Romans 5:8). Judgment is real (Revelation 20:11–15), but God delights to show mercy (Isaiah 55:7–9; 2 Peter 3:9). In love, He sent His Son. Jesus bore the wrath we deserved (1 Peter 3:18), died, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:7) so that sinners could be forgiven, reconciled, and made new.

The Greatest Gift God Gives

Everyone receives earthly blessings—sunshine, food, relationships, beauty. But the believer receives far more: God Himself. In Christ our sins are forgiven (Colossians 2:14), we are freed from sin’s power (Romans 8:1–11), and indwelt by His Spirit who strengthens and assures us (Ephesians 3:14–21). We are brought near to God (Ephesians 2:13; 1 Peter 3:18). Eternal life is knowing Him (John 17:3).

Why Christians Are the Most Thankful People

For believers, blessings are not weighed against suffering. Even in the hardest seasons, small graces remind us of our Father’s love. We do not simply receive good and bad—we receive Christ Himself. The unbelieving world chooses between noticing the good or the bad. Christians choose the Giver.

Let God fill your vision, and thankfulness will rise naturally.

This article is part of our Gratitude That Endures: Cultivating Thankful Hearts in Christ series.