When we are given a gift, do we always remember to express our thanks? Is gratitude necessary? In the scriptures, we’re told to maintain an attitude of gratitude. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV). Colossians 4:2 (NIV) tells us, “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” Hebrews 13:15 (NIV) tells us to “continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise.” Being thankful IS important to God.

In the Gospel of Luke, we are given an account of Jesus healing ten lepers. They stood at a distance and cried out, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us” (Luke 17:13 NIV). He told them to go show themselves to the priests. They obeyed, and as they went, they were cleansed. When the Samaritan saw that he was healed, he returned to Jesus and threw himself at the Lord’s feet in gratitude. Jesus asked where the other nine were and marveled that only this foreigner had returned to give thanks. He told the man to rise and go; his faith had made him well. He was not only healed physically but spiritually as well. In all things, we are to be grateful and to give thanks to the Lord.