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The Spirit of Gratitude

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.  Psalm 107:1

 

One day when Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, ten lepers approached Him and pleaded for Him to heal them. In an instant they were restored to perfect health, but only one, "when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him (Luke 17:15-16). All the others left without a single word of thanks. They were preoccupied with themselves and gripped by a spirit of ingratitude.

Such ingratitude and thanklessness are far too common in our world. Children forget to thank their parents for all they do. Common courtesy is scorned. People take for granted the way others help them. And, above all, we fail to thank God for His blessings. Such an ungrateful heart is cold toward God and indifferent to His mercy and love. It is a heart that has forgotten how dependent we are on God for everything.

Be like that one leper: take time to give thanks--and mean it. It brings glory to God, warmth to relationships, and a special awareness of God's love and grace toward you.

From, HOPE for Each Day: Morning & Evening Devotions, by Billy Graham.