There are benefits of gratitude. The dictionary defines gratitude as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
The last time your classmate showed you art of kindness, did you return it?
Why do we need to show gratitude?
Gratitude brings healing.
As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Taking a good look at them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” They went, and while still on their way, became clean. Luke 17:12-15 [MSG]
Now see what happened a few verses down the line.
One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus’ feet, so grateful. He couldn’t thank him enough — and he was a Samaritan. – Luke 17:15-16
Are you following? Did you see what I saw?
Now, let’s listen to the conclusion of the whole matter from Jesus mouth.
Jesus said, “Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?” Then he said to him, “Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you.” – Luke 17:17-19
Notice the difference. Nine lepers were cleansed but only one got healed.
Will you still be filled with complaints or will you be full of gratitude?
The ball is in your court.
Prayer: Father, help me to show gratitude at all times. Amen
Action Point: Keep showing gratitude.
Declaration: I will not murmur. I will give thanks to God at all times
How do you face rejection, especially when it is coming from a loved one? Let’s look at the story of Tosin.
‘Don’t sit there!’ a harsh voice said behind Tosin as she was about to sit on the chair. It was Mariam, a year older than her and the leader of the popular girls at the tutorial center.
‘Why?’ Tosin asked, masking the feeling of rejection inside her with a pleasant smile, as she turned towards the approaching Mariam.
‘Because you’re not in our group’ Mariam replied, swiping Tosin from head to toes with her eyes. Her little entourage at her heels did the same to Tosin, giving cruel smiles and chuckles as they passed her and took the row of seats.
Tosin managed to find a seat somewhere but held her head high as she did so.
Rejection is hard on children because it screams out to them you are not wanted, needed, beautiful, important, or worthy of love.
Psalm 27:10 ‘Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me’. (NIV)
God doesn’t love us because of who we are, what we have, where we live, our parents, or for any other reason. He loves us just the way we are.
The bible says He first loved us. He loves us so much he made the earth for us, gave us air to breathe, the sun to shine and so much more the earth contains.
And He will never reject us. He promised to always love us. Even if others reject us, he won’t.
So children, know that God loves you. Even if the world rejects you for any reason, God will never do so.
As you go about your daily activities, thank the Lord for his unconditional love towards you.
Little children, keep thanking God. That is my word for you today. There is just something about gratitude.
The week might have begun smooth or rough for you, depending on what happened to you.
For some people, you wish you could change the hand of time and begin the week on afresh.
There is something quite a number of us do not do, which ought not to be so.
Listen to what the bible says;
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV
God’s will is that you give thanks. How best can it be explained?
Regardless of how your week started, how your day went, or how the last month was, God is saying you should cultivate a habit of thanksgiving.
See how another version puts it.
Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do. – 1 Thess 5:18{CEV}
Have you taken a moment to wonder what would have happened if Jesus Christ did not come?
Thank God for your parents. Thank Him that you have life. Thank Him for the school you are attending. Thank Him for your country. Some nations are at war as we speak. Children like you cannot go about their normal lives or play as kids should.
This week, just like the scripture admonishes; whatever happens, keep thanking God.
Don’t murmur. Don’t complain. Just be full of gratitude.
Tomorrow, I will show us a few benefits of being full of gratitude.
Be grateful always, little children. But what’s with saying, “Thank you?” Why all the fuss?
Saying “thank you” is much more than speaking the words. It should come from deep within you. It is a sign that you truly appreciate what was done for you.
Being grateful is sweet because it tells the person doing you the favour that the help they rendered to you was indeed needed by you. No one wants to receive what they don’t need. So also, no one wants to give help or do favours that are not needed.
Again, your show of gratitude tells the person that their time wasn’t wasted on you. If you refuse to say or show your gratitude, you are saying to them that they just wasted their time and resources on you. That you don’t need it. Or even value it.
That’s very unfair and could mar your chances of ever receiving from them again.
Today and onwards, learn to show your gratitude with your words and actions. Let these two things tell people you are an appreciative person.
Jesus commanded the disciples to take the Good News to all the ends of the earth; that is what witnessing for Christ means. He wants everybody on the earth to know about Him. Knowing Jesus means they accept Him as their Lord and Saviour.
Mark 16:15 (KJV) And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
As a Christian, you are more or less like the disciples in the bible. Jesus’ command still stands today. He wants you to tell others about Him.
Why do you need to tell them about Him?
If you discover a cool program or song that you think your friends will like, won’t you want them to know about it?
That’s the same way with telling others about Jesus. You know the benefits of knowing about and accepting Christ into your life as Lord and Saviour and you want them to enjoy these benefits too.
May the Lord grant you the grace to witness to others. Amen.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Lord and Saviour. Give me the grace to tell others about you.
Action point: Which people do you think you should tell about Jesus
