The Power of Gratitude

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”

The story of Jesus healing the ten lepers, recorded in Luke 17:11–19, is a timeless reminder of the power and importance of gratitude. Set “along the border between Samaria and Galilee,” the scene unfolds in a region filled with tension—a place avoided by many Jews, populated by Samaritans, lepers, and other marginalized groups.

Yet this is exactly where Jesus chose to reveal His compassion.

Ten men, outcast and destitute, lifted their voices, pleading for mercy. Jesus responded with healing, commanding them to show themselves to the priest for official confirmation of their cleansing from leprosy as the law demanded. As they hurried away, undoubtedly filled with joy, only one—a Samaritan—returned to give thanks. Jesus’ question still echoes today:

“Were not ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?”(Luke 17:17)

The miracle is clear, but the message is profound: gratitude matters to God.

🧡 Why Gratitude Matters

1. Gratitude Transforms Our Mindset

Gratitude refocuses our attention from what is missing to what God has already provided. It shifts our hearts away from comparison, covetousness, anxiety, and depression.

Both Scripture and science affirm this truth. A grateful heart fosters optimism, improves mental health, and even strengthens physical well-being.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” — Psalm 118:1

2. Gratitude Encourages Kindness

People are naturally drawn to others who are grateful. Gratitude softens hearts, encourages generosity, and invites deeper relationships. When we express thankfulness, we create an atmosphere where kindness multiplies.

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”

— Proverbs 16:24

3. Gratitude Is an Act of Obedience

Scripture admonishes us to give thanks that we might align ourselves with the will of God.

“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:18

When we give thanks—even in times of uncertainty—we align ourselves with God’s will. Gratitude becomes a declaration of trust in our all-knowing God who never fails.

4. Gratitude Fosters Humility

Thanksgiving is a window through which we see our dependence on God and on others. It reminds us that we are not self-sustaining; every breath, every provision, every victory is evidence of God’s grace.

“What do you have that you did not receive?”

— 1 Corinthians 4:7

True gratitude destroys pride and cultivates humility.

5. Gratitude Opens the Door to More Blessings

In the story of the ten lepers, all were healed physically, but only the one who returned received the greater blessing: spiritual wholeness.

Jesus told him,“Your faith has made you whole.”

Gratitude doesn’t earn God’s blessings, but it positions our hearts to recognize, receive, and retain what God is doing in our lives.

🦃 Practical and Biblical Ways to Show Gratitude This Thanksgiving Season

Here are simple, meaningful ways to practice gratitude—rooted in Scripture and fully applicable today:

1. Write down daily blessings—big or small.

Include answered prayers, unexpected kindnesses, and moments of joy.

Psalm 103:2 — “Forget not all His benefits.”

2. Take time to specifically thank people who have helped you—family, teachers, coworkers, pastors, friends.

Philippians 1:3 — “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

3. Gratitude grows as we give.

Volunteer at church or bless someone in need this season.

Hebrews 13:16 — “Do not forget to do good and to share.”

4. Make gratitude a habit, not an occasion.

Offer thanksgiving prayers before meals.

1 Timothy 4:4–5 --- "For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer."

5. Tell others how God healed, helped, or provided for you.

Testimony fuels gratitude.

Psalm 107:2 — “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.”

🥧Choosing to Be the One Like the Leper in Luke 17

Out of ten healed men, only one returned. He represents the kind of heart God desires—a heart that remembers, returns, and rejoices.

🍁Be the one who remembers.

🍁Be the one who returns.

🍁Be the one who rejoices.

This Thanksgiving season, choose to be like the grateful Samaritan, for we live in a hostile world much like the border between Samaria and Galilee. Let thanksgiving shape your mindset, deepen your humility, strengthen your relationships, and draw you closer to God. Gratitude should be more than a reaction to blessings received; it is a lifestyle.

And when we live it out, God multiplies the blessings in ways we could never imagine.

🍁Happy Thanksgiving!🍁

XOXO, Gemma-Elizabeth