The Heart of Gratitude: Learning from the Ten Lepers

Listen, you ever held the door for someone these days and they don’t say thank you or even acknowledge the act of kindness? I have and I see it happening more and more in all areas of our lives. Sadly, when people are treated with courtesy, sometimes there is no acknowledgement or appreciation. When Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, he said one of the characteristics of the last days is that people will be unthankful. How very common that is in our present world! One could argue this is the “last day”…but I’m sure my grandparents thought the same as well. In Luke, we read how Jesus healed ten lepers. The thing is, only one of the nine returned to show appreciation for His miraculous healing. The miracle revealed the attitude of the thankful leper’s heart, as well as the attitudes of those who didn’t express thanks. When Jesus told the thankful man that he was healed, Jesus may have meant a deeper work in this man’s heart. The other lepers had whole bodies but sick hearts.As believers, we have everything with which to be thankful. It is good to reflect on what you have. Every good gift is from God. God has blessed you with life, access to a personal relationship with Him, daily provision, gifts and talents, work, family, friends, the family of God, and a hope of Heaven with Him for eternity. The more we learn about God, the more we should praise and glorify Him. Our gratitude to Him for all of His goodness is one of the most beautiful ways to offer praise and thanksgiving to Him.“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”Psalm 107:1 Be Nice. Grace Wins