It is incredibly important to be grateful for the many things we are given throughout our lives, but it is especially important this month: the month of Thanksgiving. As an example, today, Donald talks about 5 examples of individuals from the Bible who demonstrated gratitude.
The 10th Leper - 10 individuals were infected with leprosy, a chronic infectious disease that severely affects the skin. Jesus used the power of God to heal all 10 lepers, yet only one of them returned to Jesus to thank Him. Although the rest of the lepers were excited, they did not show their gratitude towards Jesus. As we live our day-to-day lives, are we expressing our gratitude towards Heavenly Father for the small blessings we are constantly receiving?
Abraham and Sariah - Sariah was elderly and barren, yet both her and Abraham prayed regularly to have a child. God blessed them both with a baby boy, who they named Isaac. When Isaac grew older, the Lord instructed Abraham to sacrifice his son to show his loyalty to the Lord. Despite Isaac being his only beloved son, Abraham still followed God’s instruction and brought him to the hill. An Angel of the Lord appeared right before the sacrifice and commended Abraham for his obedience, and the sacrifice was called off. Abraham showed his gratitude to God by being obedient. Are we grateful to God even during times of trial and struggle in our lives?
Mary and Martha - Lazarus, a good friend to Jesus and brother to Mary and Martha, passed away and was buried. Jesus traveled several days to visit Mary and Martha, knowing Lazarus had passed away. When Jesus arrived, he used the power of God to raise Lazarus from the dead. If Jesus used the power of God to raise Lazarus from the dead, he can use that same power to bless you when you pray and ask. Our gratitude enables Him to provide those blessings.
Naaman - Naaman was a revered military leader. He became sick, and traveled to the prophet Elijah in hopes of being healed. However, Elijah instead sent his servant to instruct Naaman to wash himself in the River Jordan seven times to be healed. Naaman was doubtful and frustrated that Elijah did not attend to tell him directly. Nonetheless, he decided to wash in the river as instructed. Miraculously, Naaman was healed, and gave thanks and gratitude to the Lord for this blessing. Oftentimes we have family members or friends in our lives who act as our guide and mouthpiece for the Lord. If we listen to God, and give thanks for those people in our lives, God will continue to bless us.
The Adulterous Woman - A woman was caught in the act of adultery. The townspeople took her to Jesus and demanded that she be stoned to death for her sins. In response, Jesus spoke to the crowd and said, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her”. The crowd quickly dissipated and left Jesus alone with the woman. Jesus saved this woman’s life, and in return the woman showed gratitude by following Jesus' last command: “Go and sin no more”. God constantly forgives you for your sins. Are we being grateful to Him for His mercies towards us?
God constantly blesses those who are openly grateful to Him.
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