Luke 17:11-18
Ingratitude is wrong thinking that causes misery, which will inevitably spread to others. Am I quick to judge and condemn people around me for falling short of my expectations? Or quick to blame others for the injustices I must endure? These are symptoms of entitlement, which is the opposite of gratitude.
Entitlement is idea that you are wonderful and deserving of only good things. If something doesn’t go your way, you feel like you’ve been robbed. But even when you get what you think you’re entitled to, you’re still not grateful. Because “you deserve it!” Was this why only one cleansed leper returned to give God thanks for his healing? “Where are the nine?" Jesus asked.
A biblical perspective would suggest that as human beings, you and I are neither wonderful nor deserving, but rather sinners who are daily dependent on the grace of God. The next breath you take, God’s pardon for that thing you did, his promise of mercies that are new every morning, eternal life in his kingdom – these are all gifts. And there is only one appropriate response to receiving a gift.
"Give thanks in all circumstances," St. Paul urges, "for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). What practices might help you reject the entitlement mindset and develop a habit of gratitude?
God our Creator and Provider, I repent of the idea that I am owed something from you or others. Empower me by your Holy Spirit to acknowledge the undeserved blessings you so graciously supply, either directly or through others. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Ingratitude is wrong thinking that causes misery, which will inevitably spread to others. Am I quick to judge and condemn people around me for falling short of my expectations? Or quick to blame others for the injustices I must endure? These are symptoms of entitlement, which is the opposite of gratitude.
Entitlement is idea that you are wonderful and deserving of only good things. If something doesn’t go your way, you feel like you’ve been robbed. But even when you get what you think you’re entitled to, you’re still not grateful. Because “you deserve it!” Was this why only one cleansed leper returned to give God thanks for his healing? “Where are the nine?" Jesus asked.
A biblical perspective would suggest that as human beings, you and I are neither wonderful nor deserving, but rather sinners who are daily dependent on the grace of God. The next breath you take, God’s pardon for that thing you did, his promise of mercies that are new every morning, eternal life in his kingdom – these are all gifts. And there is only one appropriate response to receiving a gift.
"Give thanks in all circumstances," St. Paul urges, "for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). What practices might help you reject the entitlement mindset and develop a habit of gratitude?
God our Creator and Provider, I repent of the idea that I am owed something from you or others. Empower me by your Holy Spirit to acknowledge the undeserved blessings you so graciously supply, either directly or through others. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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