One of the biggest lessons my parents have taught me is the importance of saying thank you. Despite my annoyance at times, my mother constantly reminded my sister and me to call our grandparents and thank them for every card we received. She set a precedent for us by writing thank you notes and always leaving behind a note or gift. Therefore, naturally when thank you cards are sent to our house she appreciates everyone.
Jesus similarly appreciated thank yous. In Luke 17 Jesus comes across a group of ten lepers. They ask that Jesus show them mercy, so he tells them to go and show themselves to the priest. As they go they are cleansed, but only one turns back to say thank you. The man falls at the feet of Jesus and thanks him. Luke says that as soon as the man realized he was healed he began to praise God. This man’s response is so significant because he was able to understand his healing as something that God has done for him. Therefore, in turning back to say thank you the leper continues his worship of God, for gratitude is a natural response within worship. When we realize what God has done for us, we can’t help but say thank you.
In a similar way, let us show gratitude to people. Whether we are saying thank you for something as big as healing or as small as a cashier bagging our groceries, showing appreciation to people is an expression of our worship to God. By showing gratitude to the children of God, we are showing gratitude to the Creator of the World.
The same is true regarding the gratitude we show to God in response to his creation. When the beauty of the environment we live in generates a sense of awe within ourselves, let us respond with worship and with that worship, gratitude. When the awe of God transcends our understanding, let us show gratitude to the God who transcends our understanding.
In our gratitude for people as well as for God’s creation, let us not forget to show gratitude to God Himself. In response to his character of abundant faithfulness, love, and mercy, let us show gratitude. In response to answered prayers big and small, let us show gratitude. And in response to the sacrifice He has made to us through His Son Jesus, let us show gratitude.
Just as the leper, upon realization of His healing, turned to say thank you, so we have been called to respond to God’s people, God’s creation, and God’s character with an attitude of gratitude. Whether it’s writing a thank you note, bringing a gift, or simply saying “thank you,” let us be people of gratitude.
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