Ingratitude is a character trait that manifest itself as a lack of appreciation or thankfulness due for a favour received.

The Bible tells us that it is important for believers in Christ to appreciate and show gratitude to God for the manifold blessings that He gives daily. It is especially important for us to appreciate God for who He is and constantly give Him thanks for the salvation of our souls, the redemption of humanity, the favour He surrounds us with, and for the glorious future that awaits us. In Psalm 136, the Holy Spirit emphasises the importance of gratitude and gives reasons why we should appreciate God. In Psalm 100:4, He also says:

“Enter into his gate with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful into him, and bless his name.”

1st Thessalonians 5:18 teaches us that giving thanks in all situations is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.

If you only praise and worship God whenever you are in a congregation or whenever you are told to do so, then your praise is not overflowing from a heart of gratitude – you are just following orders. Always remember that God does not want people to give Him thanks only because they are told to do so; He wants people whose hearts would rise joyfully and spontaneously everyday with gratitude to Him whenever they remember Him numerous benefits in their lives. I pray that God will always ensure you have reasons to praise Him in Jesus’ Name. The Bible contains examples of people who showed ingratitude to God in spite of all the blessings and gifts He bestowed on them. The story in today’s Bible reading is one of such examples. Of the ten leapers that Jesus miraculously healed, only one returned to glorify God. The question is, are you among the nine ingrates?

In the beginning, the Lord in His infinite wisdom created man in His image and in His likeness, for the purpose of showing forth His praise. Revelation 4:11 says God created all things, including human beings, for His pleasure. Isaiah 43:21 further says,

“This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.”

Ingratitude to God is therefore considered an act of wicked rebellion against Him (Romans 1:21). No wonder it is listed as one of the evil traits that men will manifest in the last days (2nd Timothy 3:2). May the heart of genuine appreciation to God developed in you today in Jesus’ Name.

 

by Pastor E.A. Adeboye

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