When the pace of life picks up and the pressure builds, most of us slip into survival mode. We focus on the next task, the next crisis, the next thing that needs us. And somewhere in that grind, we stop seeing the things that are actually going right. We stop seeking out what’s working, what’s beautiful, and what’s quietly sustaining us in our everyday lives.

What if choosing to be grateful—intentionally, consistently, quietly—is how you start making a real impact in your community, your workplace, and your world? What if gratitude isn’t the result of peace, but the path to it?

Because when gratitude shows up, so does God. And where God is, transformation follows.

Gratitude: The Foundation of Connection

You want to make a difference. You want your work, your presence, your leadership to leave something better than it found. But the question is always the same: Where do I start?

Start with gratitude.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul writes: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Not after everything works out. Not once it gets easier. In all circumstances.

Because giving thanks isn’t just about being polite or positive. It’s an act of alignment. It realigns your heart with what God is doing right now. And that kind of posture creates space for real connection—with God, with others, and with the work in front of you.

The Science of Gratitude and Community

It turns out Scripture isn’t the only place singing gratitude’s praises.

According to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, people who actively practice gratitude experience increased empathy, deeper relational satisfaction, and stronger resilience during conflict.

Another study from UC Berkeley found that expressing gratitude within work teams improves collaboration, psychological safety, and overall team performance.

So yes, gratitude is good for your soul. But it’s also good for your workplace.

When you lead with thankfulness, you give others permission to be seen, valued, and human. You stop measuring people by their output and start honoring them for their presence.

And from that place? Community can grow.

Gratitude Multiplies Impact

Here’s what we love about gratitude: it doesn’t just change how you feel. It changes what you do.

Grateful people give more, serve more, and lead with more humility and hope.

Why? Because gratitude reminds you that everything you have is a gift—and gifts are meant to be shared.

When you start seeing your workplace as a mission field, your time as an offering, your network as a ministry, your dollars as seeds? That’s when real impact begins.

That’s when the ripple effect starts.

How 4word Women Are Multiplying Gratitude

We see it happen all the time at 4word.

• One woman joins a Community Group and gives thanks for the first time in months that she’s not alone.
• One woman says yes to the 4word Mentor Program and expresses gratitude that someone finally sees and believes in her potential.
• One donor gives out of gratitude for what 4word has meant in her life—and that gift helps equip the next generation of women to lead with faith.

These aren’t random moments of generosity. They are gratitude in motion.

And during our Year-End Giving campaign, that motion multiplies.

Because when one woman says yes, another woman feels seen.
When one woman gives thanks, another is encouraged.
When one woman gives, an entire community grows stronger.

That’s the power of gratitude.

What Gratitude at Work Looks Like

You don’t have to overhaul your life to start living gratefully. You just have to be willing to shift your posture.

Here are a few simple ways gratitude can strengthen your workplace community today:

1. Send a Thank-You Email That Isn’t About Results

Tell a coworker you appreciate how they handled a meeting or how they support the team. Make it personal, not performance-based.

2. Open a Meeting With Praise, Not Problems

Start your next team call by naming something you’re thankful for. Invite others to do the same.

3. Keep a Gratitude Journal for Work

Every day, write down three things you’re thankful for about your job. It might be a breakthrough, a lesson, or just a really good cup of coffee.

4. Celebrate Quiet Contributions

Shine a light on someone whose work often goes unnoticed. Gratitude doesn’t just belong to the loudest voices.

What Gratitude in Life Looks Like

And outside of work? Gratitude becomes your connection point with your people and with God.

1. Say Thanks Before You Ask

In prayer, start with gratitude. Acknowledge God’s faithfulness before laying down your needs.

2. Practice “Gratitude Walks”

Use your commute or a quick break to name what you’re thankful for out loud. Speak it over your day.

3. Text a Gratitude Note

Tell someone in your life—a friend, mentor, coworker, family member—how they’ve impacted you and how grateful you are.

4. Give From a Grateful Place

Whether it’s money, time, or attention, let your giving flow from a place of thanksgiving. Not duty. Delight.

You Don’t Need a Platform. Just a Posture.

To the woman who wants to make a difference but doesn’t know where to begin:

• Start with gratitude.
• Start by looking at what you already have and saying, Thank You, Lord. Use this.
• Start by choosing to see your people through the lens of appreciation.
• Start by believing that your faithfulness, fueled by gratitude, is exactly the kind of impact the world needs more of.
• Start now.

And if you’re looking for a way to multiply your gratitude into something bigger, consider joining us this season through our Year-End Giving campaign. One donation. One ripple. One world changed.

Help us continue to make an impact on Christian women in the workplace that lasts. Give now through December 31, 2025, and watch your donation multiply its impact not just in your community—but around the world!

Click here to give now!

Since 2013, Jordan has helped 4word tell its story and live out its mission through 4word’s digital content. She is the host of 4word’s podcasts, Work, Love, Pray and Driven 4word. Jordan also writes and coordinates the weekly 4word blogs and emails, and oversees the social media team.

When not writing for 4word, Jordan enjoys working on her latest book idea, catching up on the latest episode of Supernatural, and going “Pin crazy” on Pinterest as she and her family dream about homestead living. Jordan holds a BS in Advertising and Public Relations from Liberty University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Full Sail University. She lives in Monroe, Georgia, with her husband, DJ, and their young children.