“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.” Luke 17:15-16
A culture of entitlement is slow to say thank you, but a grateful group is honored to express appreciation. Ungrateful people expect, even demand, good things with no gratitude in return. But grateful men and women are humbled and give God the glory for His blessings. The most gratitude comes from those who least expect the Lord’s lavish love. It is the mercy of God that heals our heart and causes us to exclaim Praise the Lord!Is it your regular routine to sincerely thank God for His healing power? Do you bow at the feet of Jesus when the body of a friend or family was cured by God’s work through the miracle of modern medicine? Have you celebrated Christ’s blessing of keeping your body whole from a debilitating disease? Humility is a thank you waiting to happen.
Listen to David’s prayer for healing, “Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony” (Psalm 6:2). You can pray boldly for your physical healing. Pray depending on God and with great faith ask the Great Physician to bring to bear on your body His healing power. Your Creator understands how to bring wholeness to His creation. It is not a question of if He can, but if He will.
However, whether He heals in this life or in the life to come give Him thanks. “Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). Furthermore, gratitude to God expresses gratitude to people. Make it a goal write a thank you note before you cash the check. Look a friend in the eye and thank them for their friendship. Show your gratitude to your server with a generous gratuity. Appreciate others and you invite appreciation into your life and work.
Mostly, thank the Lord Jesus Christ for His death on the cross for your sin and salvation. Jesus came from living with sinners to die for sinners. “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:23b-24).
Do I thank God often for His incredible gift of grace and forgiveness? Do I thank Him during the bad times as well as the good times? Am I quick to appreciate others?
Related Readings: Proverbs 3:8; 17:22; Romans 14:6; 1 Corinthians 15:57
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
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