THE VIRTUE OF A GRATEFUL SPIRIT
Luke 17:11-19
Gratitude is a virtue cherished by all men. It portrays the recipient who has received kindness bestowed upon him to be a responsible person, and further opens the gate for more favour to flow into his life. The Lord loves a grateful spirit. He showers His numerous blessings on grateful souls.
The saints of old knew how to appreciate the Lord for acts of kindness shown to them. The entire book of Psalm is littered with several songs of appreciation by David unto God Almighty. When we think of our humble background, and how we were lifted up by the Lord, there should be echoes of gratitude to the God of Heaven each morning we wake up to witness a new day.
In our text today, ten lepers begged for mercy as Jesus entered into a particular village. Jesus responded to their passionate plea by giving them a simple instruction “And when He saw them, He said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.” Luk. 17:14. Christ Jesus has authority over all diseases, and at His command, whatever problems that come your way can be rolled away if you believe.
As they obeyed Jesus, a miracle took place among them. They were suddenly healed of that deadly and stigmatizing disease. One among them who was not a Jew, but a Samaritan returned back to appreciate the Lord. We are not to take God’s mercies in our lives for granted when He removes us from the sea of afflictions. When He provides for your needs, and removes you from the impotence of penury, praise Him. When He grants you great deliverance from an accident that could have taken your life, praise Him. Don’t ever think it was a game of chance, coincidence or luck that you escaped from that danger. It was His timely intervention.
As Christians, we should be more appreciative of God for His goodness because of the light we have received. Have you appreciated God today for His goodness in your life? Our God is good!
ACTION: Spend time to reflect on God’s goodness in your life and offer Him your thanksgiving.
