Gratitude is a quality that is dying out like a flame from a smoldering wick. Today, it is not common to find people who have the courtesy to say a simple 'thank you' , for a favour done for them. I am sure many of you can relate to this. You go out of your way to do something for someone, sometimes even making sacrifices, yet the person shows no sign of appreciation. Some persons even make it seem you have simply done your duty to them.
As Christians, however, should we show gratitude at all times? What does the Bible say about this?
Well, in discussing gratitude, there is a story that happened in Jesus' time that tells us about God's view on gratitude.
When Jesus lived on earth, lepers had to live away from other people. And if a leper saw another person coming, he had to call out to warn that person to stay away from him. This was done so that other people would not get too close and maybe get the leper’s sickness.Jesus was very kind to lepers.
One day on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus had to pass through a small town. When he got near the town, ten lepers came out to see him. They had heard that Jesus had power from God to cure all kinds of sicknesses.The lepers did not come close to Jesus. They stood far off. But they believed that Jesus could take away their leprosy.
So when the lepers saw the Great Teacher, they called out to him: ‘Jesus, Teacher, help us!
So he answered them and said: “Go and show yourselves to the priests. They went in faith, and before they got half way, they were healed. They all noticed that they had recieved their healing.
One of Jee healed men came back to Jesus. He began giving glory to Jehovah, saying good things about God. That was the right thing to do because the power to heal him had come from God. The man also fell down at the feet of the Great Teacher and thanked him. He was so grateful for what Jesus had done.But what about the other nine men?
Jesus asked: ‘There were ten lepers who were made well, were there not? Where are the other nine? Did only one turn back to give glory to God? Yes, it is true. Only one of the ten gave glory, or praise, to God and came back to thank Jesus. And this person was a Samaritan, a man from another country. The other nine men did not thank God, and they did not thank Jesus.
Jesus took note of the ingratitude of the other nice lepers. This shows us something, Jesus loves a grateful spirit. He likes it when people show gratitude for things Todayfor them.
Many people today receive gifts, assistance, favours and lots more, without saying a simple thank you, or showing appreciation in some way. This is not a trait a of true Christians. We must learn to be grateful and appreciative for things done for us. No matter how small it may seem.
Doing this will make the giver happy, and God will be pleased with us and bless us more.
So next time you receive that gift, or someone goes out of his way to do something for you, remember to say thank you.