Thanks and Giving Pt. 1

*Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!’ When he saw them, he said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.’

Ten men cried out to Jesus for mercy, and all ten received healing. But only one turned back. This man’s gratitude stopped him in his tracks. Before he returned to his community and resumed his new life, he went back to the Source. Jesus noticed the difference. All ten were healed, but only one was made whole.

Gratitude didn’t just change his situation; it changed his soul. The other nine received a blessing, but the one who returned received a relationship.

True faith doesn’t end with answered prayer; it deepens into worship. The Samaritan’s response shows that thankfulness is not a polite gesture; it’s a spiritual act that keeps our hearts connected to God. When we take time to acknowledge what He’s done, our faith grows stronger, our joy lasts longer, and our perspective shifts from what we lack to who He is.

Practical Application
Pause to give thanks:
Before moving on to the next thing you’re praying for, stop and thank God for what He’s already done.

Return daily:
Spend time in God’s presence not just with requests, but with gratitude.

Live grateful, not entitled:
Don’t treat blessings as ordinary. Recognize God’s hand in small mercies and big miracles alike.

Let your gratitude speak:
The healed man praised “in a loud voice.” Be vocal and visible in your gratitude; it inspires others to see God at work.

Father, I thank You for every blessing, seen and unseen. Forgive me for the times I’ve moved on too quickly after You’ve answered my prayers. Help me be like the one who turned back, living with a heart of gratitude that honors You. May my thankfulness keep me close to You and remind me that faith and gratitude always belong together. Amen.

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-Pastor Dwight