Express Gratitude Through Actions | Victoria Osteen

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Express Gratitude Through Actions

Joel Osteen Podcast
Host: Joel & Victoria Osteen
Episode Date: April 11, 2026
Guest Speaker: Victoria Osteen

---

Overview

In this episode, Victoria Osteen passionately explores the importance of expressing gratitude not only through words but more importantly, through intentional actions. Drawing from personal stories, scriptural principles, and practical encouragement, Victoria challenges listeners to move beyond vocal appreciation and put love into action, ultimately aligning themselves closer to God’s heart and blessings.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of Appreciative Actions (01:46–03:05)

• Victoria shares a heartfelt story about her son Jonathan, who surprised her with a thoughtful act of kindness.
  • Quote:

    "He said, 'Mom, I did it because I knew you’d like it and I wanted to make you happy... thanks for all you do for me.'"
    — Victoria Osteen (01:58)

• She reflects on how his actions, not just words, deeply moved her—mirroring how God is moved when His children act on gratitude rather than merely profess it.

2. Maturity and Blessing (03:05–04:15)

• Victoria connects maturity to the ability to express gratitude through actions.
  • Quote:

    "God knows that we are mature enough to be able to handle what He has next for us."
    — Victoria Osteen (03:25)

• Acts of gratitude show God that we are ready to handle bigger blessings.

3. The Principle of Giving and Receiving (04:16–06:15)

• She points to the biblical principle that “we are blessed to be a blessing,” shifting gratitude from mere thankfulness to blessing others.
• Practical examples are given: helping someone in need, providing a ride, cheering up a friend, or doing things that others cannot do for themselves.
  • Quote:

    "When you make someone else's day, God will make your day."
    — Victoria Osteen (05:38)

• She highlights the law of sowing and reaping—when we give, it will be given back to us.

4. Expressing Gratitude Beyond Material Blessings (06:15–07:55)

• Gratitude is not only about material wealth but also thankfulness for favor, influence, peace, joy, and purpose.
• Victoria urges listeners to seek fulfillment by operating at their highest potential—using blessings to serve others.

5. Biblical Foundation: Hebrews 13:15–16 (07:56–09:08)

• Victoria reads and reflects on Hebrews 13:15–16, emphasizing the importance of ongoing gratitude and generosity.
  • Quote:

    "Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise with the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Then it goes on to say this, and do not neglect doing good, sharing. For with such sacrifices, God is pleased."
    — Victoria Osteen quoting scripture (08:00)

• She underscores that pleasing God is not just about praise but also about sharing and doing good.

6. The Challenge of Gratefulness in Difficult Times (08:09–09:08)

• Victoria acknowledges it’s easy to be thankful amid abundance and positive circumstances.
• The real spiritual growth comes from offering “a sacrifice of praise” and expressing gratitude even when facing challenges or lacking resources.
  • Quote:

    "You may not feel grateful today… but that's when God says… I know that if you will continually, no matter how you feel, offer up this sacrifice of praise... that's when you'll live a life that is fulfilled."
    — Victoria Osteen (08:35)

• She encourages listeners to hold onto gratitude irrespective of current feelings or material state, as this activates God’s favor and peace.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "God knows exactly how we operate at our highest potential… when we are giving Him praise and we are finding our purpose in expressing that praise by helping others, we're at our highest potential."
  — Victoria Osteen (06:53)
• "When you please God, the scripture says He will do things for you that you cannot do for yourself…He'll make even your enemies be at peace with you."
  — Victoria Osteen (09:00)
• "Make pleasing God your highest priority…I believe that's when you'll see your life go to new levels and you'll see God do things for you that you couldn't possibly do for yourself."
  — Victoria Osteen (09:05)

---

Essential Timestamps

• 01:46 — Story of Jonathan’s act of kindness
• 03:25 — Maturity and handling God’s blessings
• 05:38 — Making someone’s day as a way of making God’s day
• 08:00 — Scripture reading: Hebrews 13:15–16
• 08:35 — The sacrifice of praise in difficult times
• 09:00 — Pleasing God leads to blessings beyond ability

---

Closing Encouragement

Victoria calls listeners to go beyond verbal gratitude, challenging everyone to actively seek ways to brighten others’ lives as the truest expression of thankfulness to God. She insists that living this way draws not only God’s pleasure, but unleashes blessings, fulfillment, and new levels of purpose.

---

Tone: Warm, inspiring, and practical—Victoria speaks with a sense of passion and encouragement, seeking to uplift and mobilize listeners to live out their gratitude in tangible, impactful ways.

---

Transcript

[Dr. Horton Sales Announcer]

Now is your time to get into a new Dr. Horton home by taking advantage of its national Red Tag sales event going on right now through Sunday, May 3rd. Stop by any of its participating communities and find select red Tag homes at Incredible Pricing. So whether you're buying your first home or looking for an upgrade, you don't want to miss the Red Tag sales event going on right now. Discover the Dr. Horton Difference Visit Dr. Horton.com Dr. Horton America's Builder and Equal Housing Opportunity Builder.

[The Handmaid's Tale Narrator]

We gather here tonight to bring women back to their rightful place.

[The Testaments Narrator]

The Testaments A new Hulu Original Series from the executive producers of the Handmaid's Tale.

[The Testaments Character]

It's easier to accept a story than believe that the people around you are monsters.

[The Testaments Narrator]

The battle isn't over.

[The Testaments Voice]

There comes a time when you have to take action, when you have to choose your own destiny.

[Inspirational Speaker (Mom)]

Never quite as it seems.

[The Testaments Narrator]

Watch the new Hulu Original series, the Testaments streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney for bundle subscribers. Terms Apply

[Lowe's Home Care Plus Announcer]

Introducing Home Care Plus, a new subscription service from Lowe's that helps make life easier by giving members a hand with home maintenance. Let Lowe's tackle the tasks you keep meaning to do, like electric dryer, vent cleaning, replacing hard to reach light bulbs, and more. Subscribe to Home Care plus for just $99 a year and consider your to do list done. Members get more at Lowe's. Available in select zip codes only. Cancel anytime Non refundable fee Product purchase required Terms and service Restrictions app@lowe's.com Terms

[Joel and Victoria Osteen]

subject to change hi, this is Joel and Victoria. Thanks for listening to our podcast and thanks for supporting the ministry.

[Inspirational Speaker (Mom)]

If you enjoyed today's message, why don't you be a blessing and share it with a friend?

[Joel and Victoria Osteen]

We appreciate you and pray for God's very best in your life.

[Inspirational Speaker (Mom)]

The other day, my son did something so nice for me. It was really special. He went out of his way and took his time to really make me feel good. And I did. I was so appreciative of what he did. I called him up and I said, jonathan, thank you so much for what you've done for me. And I began to gush. And he said, mom, I did it because I knew you'd like it and I wanted to make you happy. He said, mom, thanks for all you do for me. Well, as a parent, I was taken aback. I thought, that's amazing. His generosity and his kindness towards me and you know, it just took my heart and moved it. It made me want to do something even more special for him. It got My attention. And you know, we always want our children to be kind. We want them to appreciate what they have. So we teach them that. But when they actually do it, we're like, praise God. That's amazing. You know, when it moves us, it moves us. And see, I believe that's exactly the way it is with our Heavenly Father. You see, he wants us to do the things that are gonna enrich our life. And when we actually do them, it moves him. It moves his hand of blessing. You see, God knows that we are mature enough to be able to handle what he has next for us. You see, when we say to God, I not only praise you and I thank you, but I'm gonna take it a step further, God, and I'm gonna show you my thankfulness by my expression and my actions. You see, there's nothing closer to the heart of God than his children doing something for someone else. You see, we were put on this earth to not only praise to God's glory, but to be his hands, to be his feet, to be his kindness, to be his compassion. The Bible clearly states that we are blessed to be a blessing. We are blessed by almighty God so that we can go out and express our blessings through our actions, not just through our words. Not talking today about just material blessings. Yes, God wants you to have more than enough. But you know what I'm talking about? I'm talking about those blessings of favor, influence, peace, joy, fulfillment, purpose, the things that God gives us when we praise him and when we show our praise through our actions. You know, my son's maturity, like I said, made me want to go out and do something else for him. It made me understand that, hey, he can be trusted. I believe this blessing is not going to harm him, but this blessing is going to help him. It's going to help him grow, mature and be everything that he's been called to be. And do. You know, I think that we all need to go out and think every single day, what can I do to please God and try to reach this level of maturity that says God? It's not just good enough that I thank you, but I want to show you through loving people, my gratitude, my expression of thanks for me. You know what? God is moved when we do that, when we go out and make someone else's day. You know what we're saying? We're saying, God, thank you for making my day. Because when you make someone else's day, God will make your day. When you do something for someone they can't do for themselves, pick them up, take them to a doctor's appointment, pick them up when their car's broken down, call them, cheer them up. Do something that no one else can do for them. You know what God's going to do special things for you. You see, there is a law and a principle in God's word. And it says, when you give, it'll be given back to you. When you sow good seeds, that good harvest will come back to you. See, God knows exactly how we operate at our highest potential. And he knows that when we are giving him praise and we are finding our purpose in expressing that praise by helping others, we're at our highest potential. You see, you could have all the money in the world, but you could be as miserable as ever because you don't have purpose. You're not functioning at your highest potential. But when God, when he blesses you, there's no blessing like it. There is nothing like the blessings of Almighty God. So let's make someone's day and realize it's God going to make our day. You're making our day, God. Listen to what it says in Hebrews 13, 15, 16. It says, Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise with the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name. Then it goes on to say this, and do not neglect doing good, sharing. For with such sacrifices, God is pleased. You see, he not only wants us to express our thanks by praise, by thanking him, but he doesn't want us to forget to take that blessing and pass it on. See, that's what pleases the heart of God. You know, it's easy to praise God when everything is going good, right? When people are being nice. You got that promotion at work, your kids are doing great. Hey, everything is wonderful. It's easy to praise God. What about when you're facing a challenge, when it doesn't look like you're going to have enough? How about you're facing a spiritual battle and you don't know why, but for some reason you just don't feel grateful. You see, that's what it means when it says to offer up a sacrifice of praise. See, it's something that you don't necessarily feel like doing. You may not feel grateful today. You may not look at your bank account and think you have enough. But that's when God says, I know how you operate. I've designed you. And I know that if you will continually, no matter how you feel, offer up this sacrifice of praise, but don't stop there, neglect passing on this gratitude to someone else, he says that's when you'll live a life that is fulfilled. That's when you will please me. You see, when you please God, the scripture says he will do things for you that you cannot do for yourself. The Bible says when you please God, he'll make even your enemies be at peace with you. Listen, when you make pleasing God your highest priority, I believe that's when you'll see your life go to new levels and you'll see God do things for you that you couldn't possibly do for yourself. Amen. He's an awesome God.

[Joel Osteen Book Promotion]

Life throws so much at us. Disappointments, failures, challenges. We can feel so out of touch that we no longer recognize ourselves.

[Joel and Victoria Osteen]

Life has a way of changing us. At one time we were outgoing and excited about our dreams. But when we go through disappointments and people do us wrong, it's easy to lose that positive, passionate person that we used to be. In my new book, Rediscovering the Forgotten You, I'll help you get back to who you really are. The joyful you, the confident you, the talented you. It's not too late. You haven't been through too much. You may have lost part of yourself, but you can find yourself. God is in the business of restoring what was lost, healing what was broken. You haven't seen the best version of you yet. It's still in front of you.

[Joel Osteen Book Promotion]

As our way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount, we would like to send you a copy of Joel's brand new book, Rediscovering the Forgotten you. Take back your passion, reignite your dreams and embrace the life you were created to live. This book shares uplifting scripture and personal stories that will help you release bitterness, silence, self defeating thoughts and embrace by faith the vision of the life God designed for you. Life's challenges might have distorted the true you, but now you can reclaim, revitalize and restore the version of yourself that you once knew or the version that you know. God has made you to be filled with hopes and dreams, optimism and confidence. Request your copy today and discover the best version of you yet.

[Joel and Victoria Osteen]

God is about to breathe new life, new passion, new dreams into your heart. What he started, he's going to finish. Thanks so much for being with us today. Victoria and I are praying for you and your family for God's very best. Thank you so much for your prayer and support. Your generosity helps people all over the world. And a special thank you to our champion of hope partners for all you do to make the ministry possible. If you're not a partner. I hope you'll consider becoming one. Until we meet again. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

[Joel Osteen Book Promotion]

Be sure to request your copy of Rediscovering the Forgotten you available this month by simply visiting us at Joel Osteen.com or call 888-567-JOEL. You can also receive the God's got you Rediscovery Duo. You'll receive Rediscovering the Forgotten you and God's Got yout Promises for Overcoming Fear. It's the perfect combination to help you rekindle your purpose while standing firm in God's promises. In addition to these two inspiration books, you can also receive the beautifully crafted CSB Thin Line Study Bible in Camel Suede Soft Leather Touch. An elegant Bible that offers a rich, immersive study experience and brings God's Word beautifully into your everyday life. This collection is more than encouragement. It is a foundation for lasting renewal rooted in God's word, strengthened by faith and anchored in his promises. You can request these inspiring resources by calling 888-567-JOEL or logging on to jolostein. Today.

[The Handmaid's Tale Narrator]

We gather here tonight to bring women back to their rightful place.

[The Testaments Narrator]

The Testaments A new Hulu Original Series from the executive producers of the Handmaid's Tale.

[The Testaments Character]

It's easier to accept a story than believe that the people around you are monsters.

[The Testaments Narrator]

The battle isn't over.

[The Testaments Voice]

There comes a time when you have to take action, when you have to choose your own destiny.

[The Testaments Narrator]

Watch the new Hulu Original series, the Testaments, streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney for bundle subscribers. Terms apply.

[Angie.com Customer]

Why have we asked our contractor we found on Angie.com to be our kid's legal guardian? Because he took such good care when redoing our basement that we knew we could trust him to care for our kids, all eight of them, should something happen to us.

[The Testaments Character]

Are you my dad now?

[Angie.com Contractor]

Uh, no, sorry. I do basements. Connecting homeowners with skilled pros for over 30 years. Angie. The one you trust. Define the ones you trust. Find pros for all your home [e-mail] Breathe in.

[Goto Bank Announcer]

Feel the sense of calm that comes from having up to $300 in overdraft protection with Goto Bank. Now.

[Inspirational Speaker (Mom)]

Did you say $300?

[Goto Bank Announcer]

Yes. Now back to our breathing.

[Inspirational Speaker (Mom)]

So if I overspend my balance, Goto bank has my back up to $300.

[Joel and Victoria Osteen]

Yes.

[Goto Bank Announcer]

Can we breathe out now? Less worries, more zen. With over $300 in overdraft protection, Tap to open an account today. Eligible direct deposits and opt in required for overdraft protection fees, terms and conditions apply.