Why is it that gratitude doesn’t seem to come naturally for us? In Luke 17:11-19 Jesus passed through a village and was spotted by ten lepers who longed to be healed. They cried out to him, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priest and as they obeyed, their disease disappeared. One of the men turned shouting Praises to God as he threw himself as Jesus’ feet. Jesus expressed amazement that only one man had thought to thank him.”Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”

Having a spirit of Thankfulness is more than a good idea; it’s a command from God. In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelite s guidelines for thank offerings. In Thessalonians 5:18 we are instructed to be thankful in all circumstances. God knows that when we focus on our blessings, it helps us to keep our problems and concerns in the right perspective.

Having a spirit of thankfulness honors God and it strengthens our faith.