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Why Feeling Grateful Isn’t Enough

As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.” LUKE 17:11-17 NLT

My compassion for others matters to Jesus

My obedience matters to Jesus

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. JAMES 1:22-25 NLT

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. LUKE 17:15-16 NLT

My gratitude matters to Jesus

The behavior of the self-life is obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior. … GALATIANS 5:19-21 TPT

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. PSALM 145:18 NLT

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. … LUKE 17:15-16 NLT

Real gratitude gives

Feeling grateful is not the same as practicing gratitude

Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” LUKE 17:17-18 NLT

He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. … LUKE 17:16 NLT

Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker. PSALM 95:6 NLT

As we are experiencing goodness, we should be expressing gratitude

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a place away from distractions that will help you become calm in your thoughts and feelings. Commit any worries you have to God, receiving His support. Take a few deep breaths; when you are ready, think about how God has blessed your life. What are some specific things you are especially grateful for? Have a conversation with Him about what He thinks about the gratitude you have expressed to Him for what He has done for you. Ask Him to help you discern what hinders you from expressing more gratitude. Are there any actions you can take to show your gratitude toward God for what He has done? Perhaps through acts of compassion to others, perhaps by being more generous with your time and resources, or anything else that God brings to mind; then, commit to doing those things this week. Close your time by considering how you experienced God through this reflection exercise. If you are willing and able, get on your knees and praise and thank Him specifically for who He is and the wonderful things He has done for you.

Discussion Questions

  1. If you were meeting someone for the first time, and they asked you to describe yourself in three words, what would you say?
  2. How do you think others receive you when you have a lot on your mind? Are you unapproachable? Distracted? Other?
  3. Our obedience matters to Jesus. Read James 1:22-25 (NLT), and consider the fact that the lepers’ obedience preceded their healing. When in your life have you obeyed God in faith and experienced His healing after your obedience?
  4. Read Galatians 5:19-21 (NLT). How can recognizing your own spiritual poverty lead you personally to greater acts of gratitude toward Jesus?
  5. Read Psalm 95:6 (NLT). When we knelt as a church, what was that experience like for you?
  6. Next steps: Jesus enjoys our gratitude, and real gratitude gives (it moves, it is tangible, and it is audible). In what practical ways can you show your gratitude during this Christmas season?