By Jana Hicks
I have noticed that we live in an entitlement culture for the most part. Niceties and manners are not as common as when I was growing up. Even when you display manners people operating in entitlement tend to look at you strange.
Manners and gratitude have never gone out of style Even God has a standard of what he requires of us concerning our interaction with Him and how we are to operate in general. In Psalms 50:23 God makes it very clear what is required: (New Living Translation) “But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”
How powerful is that! There’s a lot that comes with salvation not just saving our souls but wholeness and blessings comes with it as you obey God’s command.
Sozo’ is the greek word for salvation: to save, deliver, make whole or restore, heal, be whole.
God have shown me personally the power of gratitude and how it moves Him. A family member asked for my help and I agreed to help them. Their gratitude and appreciation was so genuine that I just wanted to do even more to help them.
Our Thank You causes God to show up in ways that are exceedingly and abundantly above what we can ask or think, dream or imagine – Ephesians 3:20!
Another scripture God used to show me the power of gratitude is from Luke 17:11-19
Luke 17:11-19 (The Message)
11-13 It happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. 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!”
14-16 Taking a good look at them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”
They went, and while still on their way, became clean.
“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.”
7-19 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.”
His gratitude caused him to not just be healed but coupled with his faith caused him to be made whole. Showing genuine gratitude to someone who extended themself to you and went the extra mile for you shows them you value them and appreciate them taking the time to help you.
Whether you asked for help or the person saw the need and responded to it, it is always kind to acknowledge and show gratitude because they really did not have to take the time to help but being Christlike they did what Jesus would do. It’s not about looking for gratitude before you help someone but it makes a world of a difference when someone express true gratitude in this entitlement culture.
Make it a practice to start showing gratitude and being thankful for the kindness someone shows you and all the good things in your life God blessed you with. It will change your perspective as well as the posture of your heart.
