Read: Luke 17:11-19
Do we have a sense of gratitude towards people who have helped us or been there for us when we needed their help? It is very common to “use” the help and then forget about all the help received without showing any gratitude. When Jesus healed the ten lepers, only one person returned to thank Jesus for healing him. They were all lepers, outcasts in their society. Yet after receiving the healing, they forgot what Jesus had done for them. In His lifetime, Jesus performed many miracles by healing the sick, raising the dead, casting away demons, feeding large crowds (over 5000 and 4000 people on two different occasions). But at the time of His crucifixion, the crowd which experienced the delivering hand of Jesus, failed to show their gratitude and instead they crucified Him.
When Job lost his family, his cattle and health, he did not curse God. Instead, Job said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21). Job gave thanks to God in all circumstances, though he was suffering.
When we have a sense of being thankful to God, we experience the peace that surpasses all understanding which guards our hearts and minds through Jesus Christ (Phil. 4:7). Our faith increases and love for our fellow brethren expands as we have a thankful attitude towards God. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16-18). “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (1 Chron. 16:34).
