The Attitude Of Gratitude

In the story of the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19), Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem when ten lepers approached Him. Standing at a distance, as lepers were required to do, they called to Him: “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” (Luke 17:13).

When Jesus saw them, He commanded, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they journeyed, they were healed. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back, threw himself at Jesus’ feet, and thanked Him. “Where are the nine?” Jesus asked (Luke 17:17). It was indeed a good question.

Jesus referred to the grateful man as a Samaritan – an outsider by Jewish standards (John 4:9). However, non-Christians sometimes have better manners than Jesus’ followers do. In our busy lives, we may forget to give thanks. Someone has done something for us – such as, given a gift, performed a task, delivered a timely sermon, provided a word of counsel or comfort. But we fail to say thanks.

Let’s ask, “Has someone done something for us this week?” Let’s give that friend a call or send a thank you note. After all, “Love has good manners” (1 Corinthians 13:5 – Phillips Translation).

Beloved, we don’t need more to be thankful for – we just need to be more thankful (Colossians 3:15).

Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

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