Saturday, May 6, 2023

How Do You Show Your Gratitude to God for Your Blessings?

My Come, Follow Me studies this week took me to Luke 12-17 and John 11 in a lesson titled “Rejoice with Me; for I Have Found My Sheep Which Was Lost.” The lesson was preceded by this counsel: “As you read Luke 12-17 and John 11, prayerfully seek what Heavenly Father wants you to know and do. Your study of these chapters can open your heart to messages meant just for you.” The lesson was then introduced with this paragraph. 

In most situations, 99 out of 100 would be considered excellent – but not when such numbers stand for beloved children of God (see Doctrine and Covenants 18:10). In that case, even one soul merits a thorough, desperate search “until [we] find it” (Luke 15:4), as the Savior taught in the parable of the lost sheep. Then the rejoicing can begin, for “joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” (Luke 15:7). If that seems unfair, it’s helpful to remember that, in truth, there are none who “need no repentance.” We all need rescuing. And we all can participate in the rescue, rejoicing together over every soul who is saved (see Doctrine and Covenants 18:15-16).

This scripture block contains several parables, but I will discuss a real-life story of the Ten Lepers. Let’s first look at the scripture.

11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.


12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:


13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.


14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.


15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,


16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.


17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?


18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.


19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

(Luke 17:11-19)

If you had been one of the ten lepers that were cleansed, would you return to thank the Savior? You might IF you are in the practice of showing gratitude for the blessings in your life. If you thank you spouse for preparing dinner or washing the car or cleaning the house, you might thank the Savior. However, if you are one of the many people who feel entitled to more than they have, you probably would not think about expressing gratitude.

All ten of the lepers were cleansed from leprosy, but they were told to go to the priest to be pronounced clean and worthy to re-enter society. One of the lepers noticed that his body was healed. He knew the Source of the blessing, and he returned to thank the Giver of the blessing.

Social scientists discovered from their studies that expressing gratitude makes us feel better. Several years ago, I adopted a new way of life: each night as I make my journal entry, I list five blessings for which I am grateful. They may be the same five blessings as I listed the previous day, or they may be five new blessings.

Two years ago, as the world suffered with the COVID-19 pandemic, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a special message to the world. His message is still good, and I recommend it highly. You can find a video of his message here

Did you notice that the thankful leper received an additional blessing? You might want to ponder the words that the Savior said to him: “Thy faith hath made thee whole” (verse 19). Faith and gratitude are related because they both help us to become whole. I invite you to strengthen your faith and become whole by expressing gratitude for your blessings.

 

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