SERIES INTRODUCTION

In the last six months or so I have become increasingly frustrated with the ingratitude and negativity around me. It should be easy enough to change, and yet when I try to start by simply changing myself (as one is supposed to do) and practicing more gratitude in my own life, I find it really difficult. It’s another one of those “easier said than done” items. So, along with you this week, I’d like to learn more about what the Bible teaches about gratitude.

In studying Luke 17 and the story of the ten lepers, I have found it interesting that the chapter begins with the disciples asking Jesus to increase their faith (verse 5), and what follows later in the chapter is the story of the ten men with leprosy who ask Jesus for healing. He heals all ten of them, but only one comes back to say “thank you.” To this one, Jesus said, “Your faith has healed and saved you” (The Message). 

All ten of the men had faith. They followed Jesus’ command to go show themselves to the priest and they did this even before they knew they were healed. But only one man was filled with gratitude and returned to give thanks and praise to Jesus. In return he is told that he has been saved. 

As we study the story of the ten lepers this week, let us strive to be like that one man and give thanks to God with hearts filled with gratitude. 

Recalibrate:
Is gratitude as important as faith?
What evidence do you have for your conclusion?