Principles of Universal Stewardship
CARE | OPENNESS | RESPECT | UNDERSTANDING | PRUDENCE | KINDNESS | GRATITUDE | APOLOGY | FORGIVENESS | RESPONSIBLE PROSPERITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Gratitude is one of the Principles of Universal Stewardship.

Appreciate what you have and never take others for granted. When someone gives you a helping hand or when someone is kind to you, be grateful. If you are having a great day and you are happy, be grateful. If you have a good job be grateful. If your business is prospering, be grateful. If your family is healthy, happy and prosperous, be grateful.

Gratitude means paying it forward. ‘Thank you’ is enough only when it’s all you truly have. Otherwise, return kindness with action — not just words.

Expression of gratitude may seem common and sometimes uttered almost automatically. Like the “thank you” as a polite pleasantry. True gratitude is the reciprocation of kindness. It is giving back. You may not be able to give back to the person who was kind to you, but you can pass forward your reciprocation.  When you give or when you are being compassionate, kind or generous, do not ever expect reciprocation. It is not prudent to expect reciprocation for your kindness. God knows your good deeds.

Kindness does not come with a covenant. It is a one-way street. It comes from your heart. Be grateful but never expect others to be grateful towards you. Do not expect gratitude from others. It is an uncomfortable feeling, knowing that your generosity or kindness is not being reciprocated with gratitude, while you are always grateful for the generosities that you receive.

Smile inwardly. This is when you let positive thinking overcome the negative. Disappointment comes to those who EXPECT reciprocation and gratitude, because vanity always expects a compliment or reward. Vanity thrives on praises, applause, and reciprocation.

Apologize for your inconsistencies or failures but do not ever fail to thank the other person for tolerating you or for being patient with you.

At meal time quietly pray and give thanks 3 times. First to God, second to the person providing the food, third to the people who grew or produced the food. Always be grateful for your life.

When you were simply trying to survive, people were kind to you. Be grateful. When you were trying to build security around you, people were kind to you. Be grateful. When you were building your prosperity, people were kind to you. Be grateful.

Never fail to say thank you. Learn how to make people feel good. Be grateful now, rather than feel the sorrow or regret that you never took the opportunity to say “THANK YOU”.

Be grateful for the people around you. They keep you company. They give you something to think about. Be grateful for your life. If you can speak, be grateful. If you can walk be grateful. If you are in a wheelchair, be grateful that you have one. Be grateful for ALL the positive things in your life. Learn to be grateful by giving back.

Be grateful for the land you live in. Be grate for the security of the nation you are in. Be grateful that you have been allowed in the country as a worker, an immigrant, or as a refugee. Remember that you left your country for something better or to better your life.

Gratitude allows you to focus on the good things that you have rather than on what you crave for. Gratitude changes your perception.

If you want to thank God for your health and prosperity; thank him by helping yourself become better, thank him by helping others and sharing your love, knowledge, abundance and prosperity. Thank God for the abundance in our agriculture by giving back to the land, sea and air. Keep mother earth sustainable. Be grateful by recycling and not being wasteful. Never deprive.

Cultivating Long-Term Gratitude: Remembering and Honoring Those Who Helped

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that brings joy, contentment, and stronger connections to our lives. While gratitude is often experienced in response to specific events, embracing a long-term gratefulness mindset goes beyond momentary appreciation. It involves fostering an enduring attitude of gratitude and not forgetting the people who have helped us along the way.

Being a long-term grateful person is about more than simply saying “thank you” in the moment. It is about cultivating an ongoing sense of appreciation, recognizing the goodness and kindness present in the world. It is a way of life, where gratitude becomes a lens through which we view and engage with the world.

Central to being a long-term grateful person is remembering and honoring those who have helped us in the past. By actively keeping their memory alive, we ensure that the impact of their assistance remains alive and appreciated. Whether it’s mentioning their names, saying “hi” or “hello” when we cross paths, or initiating conversations that recall their support, these small gestures demonstrate that their acts of kindness were significant and continue to be valued.

Remembering and mentioning the names of helpers not only maintains a sense of gratitude within us but also strengthens our connections with them. It fosters a culture of appreciation and gratitude, where acts of kindness and support are cherished and remembered. It creates a positive and supportive environment in our relationships and communities.

Moreover, by remembering and honoring those who have helped us, we also inspire ourselves to pay it forward. We are reminded of the interconnectedness and interdependence we share with others. This prompts us to extend our own support and kindness to others, creating a ripple effect of gratitude and generosity. By recognizing the impact of past help, we become catalysts for building a more compassionate world.

In a fast-paced and often self-focused world, embracing long-term gratitude is a powerful antidote. It reminds us to pause, reflect, and express appreciation for the kindness and support we have received. It fosters a positive outlook, enhances our well-being, and strengthens our relationships. It is a conscious choice to nurture an enduring attitude of gratitude that extends beyond specific moments or experiences.

So let us cultivate long-term gratitude and honor the helpers who have touched our lives. By actively remembering, expressing ongoing gratitude, and paying it forward, we create a cycle of appreciation and foster a culture of kindness and support. Let us embrace the power of long-term gratitude and make a difference in the lives of others as we journey through life together.

The Importance of Gratitude in Friendship

Friendship, at its core, is built on mutual appreciation and emotional reciprocity. Gratitude plays a pivotal role in sustaining these qualities, allowing both individuals to feel valued and acknowledged in the relationship. Without gratitude, the emotional bond that holds the friendship together begins to weaken. This lack of appreciation can lead to an imbalance, where one person may feel they are giving more than they are receiving, fostering resentment and disconnection over time. For a friendship to truly thrive and endure, there must be a continuous, shared sense of gratitude for one another’s presence, support, and efforts.

While a relationship based on respect can still survive without explicit gratitude, it lacks the deeper emotional investment that defines true friendship. Respect is necessary for any relationship, but it alone cannot sustain the kind of closeness and understanding found in a friendship. Without gratitude, a friendship risks becoming one-sided and transactional, where the emotional depth fades. In the long run, this unbalance leads to a decline in the friendship’s quality, leaving it vulnerable to erosion. For a friendship to remain healthy, gratitude must be present, ensuring both individuals feel appreciated and emotionally supported.