Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” LUKE 17:11-19 NLT

Gratitude is Godly

Some people curse their father and do not thank their mother. They are pure in their own eyes, but they are filthy and unwashed. PROVERBS 30:11-12 NLT
A poor, wise man knew how to save the town, and so it was rescued. But afterward no one thought to thank him. ECCLESIASTES 9:15 NLT

Gratitude to God personally leads to worship of God publicly

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. 1 CHRONICLES 16:8 NLT
Then I will thank you in front of the great assembly. I will praise you before all the people. PSALM 35:18 NLT
But I will give repeated thanks to the LORD, praising him to everyone. PSALM 109:30 NLT
Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation. PSALM 79:13 NLT

Public worship of Jesus heals private pain

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High. PSALM 92:1 NLT
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:4;6-7 NLT

Jesus came to:

• Save my soul
• Redeem my body
• Heal my heart
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” MATTHEW 11:28 NLT

Community Group Discussion Guide

1. What is it about the act of saying “thank you” that makes it so important for healthy relationships?
2. What are some of the things you say or do in private to show your gratitude to God?
3. Read 1 Chronicles 16:8. When was the last time you were publicly thankful to God for something he did in your life?
4. What steps can you take, or what thing can you do this week, to be more publicly thankful for what God has done for you?
5. Read Psalm 92:1. In what ways have you seen singing or worship act as an expression of your thankfulness to God?
6. What specific things can you do each week to better prepare your heart for worship in church in order to more fully express your gratitude towards God?

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place, free from distractions, where you can be alone with God in order to process your thoughts and feelings. Spend a few minutes in prayer considering all that you’re truly thankful for in your life. For who and what are you thankful? What are some of the details and reasons behind your thankfulness? Get specific about it. Take some time to describe it in detail to God as an expression of your thankfulness. Next, spend some time actually expressing your thankfulness to God in specific ways. Consider writing it down so you can refer back to it throughout the coming days and weeks. As you go throughout your day and week, try to keep your mind in that place of thankfulness. Take note of where your thoughts and feelings go. Do your best to respond to that direction with faith and continued thankfulness for all that God has given you.