"Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?"
Luke 17:17 (NKJV)
Bishop Dr. Darlingston Johnson
A Message on Gratitude and Thanksgiving
The Ungrateful Nine
Don't Be Among the Ungrateful Majority
Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to give thanks
The nine represent the ungrateful majority - a common pattern
Jesus asked: "Were there not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?"
This question still echoes today - of all who have been blessed, where are the nine?
"May I be found among those who are grateful"
Why Gratitude Matters
Ingratitude is Destructive
Ingratitude Destroys
Relationships
Children estranged from parents
Marriages ending in divorce
Friendships destroyed
Ingratitude is a sin
Health & Well-being
Increases stress levels
Weakens immune system
Affects sleep quality
Causes depression and anxiety
"A grateful person is much more relaxed - that's just the truth"
The Spiritual Impact
"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)
Ingratitude is the opposite of faith - you cannot walk in faith and be ungrateful
Ungrateful people can only have shallow relationships
Limiting gratitude limits your relationship with God
If you want to go deeper with God, take thanksgiving seriously
Christians Should Be
The Most Grateful People on Earth
We Have the Most to Be Grateful For
God sent His only begotten Son who gave His life on the cross for us
We who do not deserve any blessing have been forgiven of all our sins
God credited us with Christ's righteousness - made us children of God
We are joint heirs with Jesus, seated with Him in heavenly places
God is for us and not against us
"There's no excuse for ingratitude among Christians"
Notice the Blessing
"As they were going, he noticed he had been healed"
One reason we're not grateful: we fail to notice God's blessings
Every day you leave and return safely - countless blessings unrecognized
We treat God's blessings as though they "just happened"
May the Lord open our eyes to see His daily blessings
"Lord, help me to notice Your blessings and the favor I receive each day from You and from people"
Prayer
Know the Blesser
"I will lift up my eyes unto the hills - From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2 (NKJV)
The leper returned to Jesus - he knew the source
David knew who blessed him, kept him alive, gave him ability
Don't just notice the blessing - note the Blesser
"I know my Redeemer lives!" - Job 19:25
The Entitlement Trap
"When you feel entitled, it's impossible to truly be grateful"
A sense of entitlement blocks gratitude
If I think you owe me $10,000 and you give me $8,000 - I won't be thankful
We transfer entitlement to God: "After all I do for Him..."
Truth: God owes us nothing. Every blessing is undeserved
"If you got what you deserved, eternity is not long enough to be in hell"
Bishop Johnson
Complete Your Gratitude
The Principle
"My gratitude is not complete until my blessing becomes my offering"
Naaman brought gold, silver, clothing back to Elisha
Hannah brought Samuel back to the Lord: "I have lent him to the LORD"
Of that which we have received, we give back to Him as worship
That is how to truly express gratitude to God
Prayer Focus
Eyes to See God's Blessings
"Father, open my eyes to notice Your blessings that I take for granted each day. Help me to see Your hand in the ordinary moments - safe travels, daily provision, breath in my lungs. May I never treat Your blessings as mere coincidence."
Based on Psalm 103:2; Lamentations 3:22-23
Prayer Focus
Deliverance from Entitlement
"Lord, deliver me from the spirit of entitlement. Help me remember that I deserve nothing good from You, yet You shower me with grace upon grace. Remove any 'Why God?' accusations from my heart and replace them with 'Thank You, Lord' for Your unmerited favor."
Based on Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9
Be The One Who Returns
Make Your Gratitude Complete
Notice God's blessings daily
Know that Jesus is the source of every good thing
Return to Him with thanksgiving and praise
Offer your blessings back as worship
"Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?" Be the one who returns.