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Do you know anyone who is ungrateful? 

As we talk about gratitude it is important for us to clarify how an ungrateful person operates. 

You know them. 

Ungrateful people tend to be people who: 

• Are never content and are always in need
• Rarely say “thank you”
• Don’t sacrifice for others but expect others to sacrifice for them
• Are focused on their needs more than the needs of others
• Think that God or others owe them.

Now, I know what you are thinking – that is my boss, kids, or husband.  It is easy to identify ungrateful people around us. 

Truthfully, we need to recognize that at times we are all ungrateful.

We are all ungrateful from time to time and it hinders our spiritual growth. We don’t think we are ungrateful – just in need. 

Sure, we can use more finances, time, resources, or recognition. But will those things bring us closer to Jesus? 

Christians should be the most joy-filled and hopeful people in the world. 

But some Christians seem so unhappy. They are frustrated with what they don’t have and are overlooking all of the blessings that God has given.

In Luke 17:11-19 we read that Jesus healed ten men with leprosy. These lepers were unable to be with their family, hug their children, or worship in groups of people because of their skin disease. When Jesus healed them their entire lives changed. They were able to return back to their homes and back to a normal life.

All ten men had received the answer to their prayer. But only one man returned to Jesus. 

The healing that the ten men had been praying for only brought one of them back to Jesus. 

Before he approached his family and reenter society, he reentered the presence of Jesus. 

Before he was unable to approach Jesus. Now he doesn’t keep his distance, he humbly approaches Jesus and falls at Jesus’ feet. He realized that he owed everything to Jesus. Falling at his feet is a posture of respect and reverence. 

Healing drove him into the presence of Jesus not away from Him. 

He did not seek a private session to say thank you. He screamed praise and thanksgiving to God so everyone could hear. He knew what Jesus did had come directly from God. The man fell at Christ’s feet to say thank you.

Jesus’ grace and mercy caused this man’s heart to overflow with gratitude.

Be Grateful For God’s Blessings

We are all praying for something aren’t we? 

Health, healing, finances, our families, and more.

What if God answers your prayer with a yes?

Will a yes to that prayer draw you closer to Jesus or would it cause you to rely on gift and miss out on the God who gives? 

Would you run back to the feet of Jesus if you receive what you are praying for or would you carry on with life as usual?  

I know that many of the prayers I voice are to receive things that will help me rely on my own power. 

Answered prayer and provisions should always point you back to worship Jesus not to sustain your own journey.

Gratefulness comes from a realization that you are nothing without Jesus and for some reason He has gifted you with another day to follow Him on this planet. 

Gratitude overflows from your connection to the Holy Spirit. It is difficult for you to be grateful if you aren’t connected to Jesus through prayer and study of God’s Word. 

So how do we cultivate a grateful heart this week?

Apply: How to be grateful for God’s blessings. 

Through your study of God’s Word and be reminded of the:

• Goodness of God – He is for you and with you.
• Your Need for Jesus – you are a sinner in need of the grace of Jesus.
• The Purpose God Has for You – you are still on this planet to make disciples and glorify Jesus. 

Gratitude is a life-giving attitude because it draws us to the feet of Jesus. And as we overflow with gratitude to God, we will begin to overflow in expressing our gratefulness for others. 

Respond: 

Spend some time being grateful for God’s blessings in your life – the air you breathe, the job you have, your friends, family, your health, your salvation, His grace and mercy, etc. 

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The F260 NT Bible reading plan and HEAR Journal method is from Replicate Ministries.