Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:17-18)
One thing that my parents drilled into me from a young age was the importance of thanking someone when he or she does something for me or gives something to me. If someone gives me a gift, then I need to send a card expressing my gratitude. If someone goes out of his or her way to show kindness, then I need to let him know how appreciative I am.
The whole idea of expressing gratitude is highlighted when Jesus cleansed ten lepers but only one came back to thank him. Do you think that the other nine lepers were grateful for what Jesus had done? I’m sure they appreciated it immensely. But their unexpressed gratitude was perceived as ingratitude. The same is true for us.
When we fail to show your appreciation for someone else’s kindness to us, then we are communicating that we’re not actually grateful. Is there someone you need to thank? Make sure you do it soon!
Father, help me to be someone is grateful for the sacrifices that others make for me. Help me to make expressing gratitude a priority as I seek to let others know how much I appreciate what they do.
Leave a Reply