Showing Gratitude

“He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him – and he was a Samaritan.” - Luke 17:16

Imagine you go to a restaurant and receive wonderful service. Your server is always filling your water glass, brings your order on time, is pleasant, and does everything he can to make your meal an enjoyable experience. You find yourself constantly saying, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Do you know the real way you say “thank you” to a fantastic server? The tip!

We tend to think of being grateful in the way we were taught as children. You remember perhaps when you were growing up, or as a parent, you have done it to your own children…How many times have you given them something and asked, “Now what do you say?” Of course, they are supposed to answer, “Thank you.” True thanksgiving, however, is not just said but shown.

It is not enough just to say we are grateful. We need to show God that we are grateful. In Luke 17 Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one took the time to come back and fall at Jesus’ feet and thank Him. Think about this. If Jesus had gone to those other nine lepers and said, “Aren’t you thankful for what I’ve done for you? Aren’t you grateful that I’ve healed you?” They might have said, “Of course we are.” But the truth is they never said it or showed it.

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, gratitude that is never expressed expresses ingratitude. Do you know why the Samaritan came back and thanked Jesus and the other nine didn’t? It is simple. It is because he chose to. He chose to be thankful. He chose to express his gratitude.

Every day when you get up in the morning you have a choice to make. You can be humbly grateful or not. You choose the attitude you are going to have today. And tomorrow you choose again.

Father, give me a heart and attitude of thankfulness to You today. Help me to remember to choose gratitude. In Jesus’ name, amen.