Tag Archives: gratitude

April 21
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“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12:24, NIV)

Memory and gratitude are antidotes to many of the maladies that afflict our soul and that steal the joy of living. These maladies include self-entitlement, greed, a zero-sum view of common resources, and a competitive spirit when cooperation is what is needed.

When we “[remember] what great things [God] has done for [us],” such as giving us the things that money cannot buy (e. g. life, peace, joy, love, security of soul, integrity of mind); and an abundance of the things money can buy (e. g. food, shelter, clothing, transportation).  It provokes within us an enduring reverence for the Lord, and a burning desire to serve him with faithfulness and enthusiasm.

To count the relatively few things we don’t have — instead of the many blessings we do have — sidetracks us from the path that leads to peace with our heavenly Father. Remember — and be thankful.  – Luther

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April 14
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“For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47, NASB)

The more we value something, the higher it rises in our list of what is important.

The woman in today’s scripture valued the forgiveness of God.  It wasn’t something she had taken for granted, and this singular act of God’s grace was always clear, near, and present.

Simon, who is also a part of the narrative of this scripture, took a lot of God’s gifts for granted — and it was apparent that he “loves little.”

Who are we: The woman who was filled with gratitude, awe, and love for her Lord because she appreciated the gifts of God; or Simon, who didn’t see the hand from Whom all of his blessings had come?  – Luther

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January 31
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“As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’ The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’

    “Jesus stopped and called them. ‘What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. ‘Lord,’ they answered, ‘we want our sight.’ Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” (Matthew 20:29-34, NIV)

The response of the two blind men to the miraculous gift they had received from Jesus was obedience.  They “followed him.”  One cannot follow unless (or until) he/she is willing to obey.

God, by His grace, showers us with innumerable blessings.  When we receive any blessing from Christ, do we follow in His steps? When God is generous to us, do we imitate His generosity?  When God forgives us our trespasses, do we follow his example by forgiving those who have trespassed against us; or, does Jesus continue on His way while we chart our own, different, course?

To their great credit, the two healed men responded to God’s blessings by following the One that had shown them mercy. What is our response to God’s love and mercy?  – Luther

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