Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 14,15. Luke 17:1-19.
“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.” – Luke 17:15-16 (KJV)
Gratitude is based on our understanding that we are neither independent nor self sufficient but part of a system that thrives on relationship. This helps us to accept our reality rather than living in self denial. This is what one of the ten Samaritans that Jesus healed realised and showed as stated in Luke 17:15-16 (KJV), “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.”
Because of his grateful heart, the Lord Jesus perfected the man’s health by pronouncing to him in Luke 17:19 (KJV), “And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” So a grateful heart attracts more blessing. No wonder the Lord Jesus Christ gave thanks to God for hearing him always (John 11:41) and Apostle Paul states this clearly in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV): “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” The reality is that if we are grateful always, we will remain joyous as there is always a reason to thank God even in the midst of storms.
One reason we should remain ever grateful is the washing away of our sins by the Lord Jesus Christ through his crucifixion on the cross. The problem is we do not reflect enough on this love and mystery that is why we keep harbouring hate, anger and sorrow among others. If you have a grateful heart, you will always have something to thank God for and this will fill your heart!
As we celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ this season, let us determine to show gratitude to the one who loves us so much that he died for us so that we can live! 1 Thessalonians 5:10 (KJV) says, “Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.”
Action Point: Determine to express gratitude always from today even in the midst of storms.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero