Sermon On A Grateful Heart

Germany Kent, a female American journalist and author once remarked: “It's a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” James 4:10 reminds us: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

Gratitude is considered an effective antidote to complacency. It is defined as the calibre of being thankful; a readiness to show appreciation for, and the motivation to reciprocate kindness. A grateful heart is said to be a significant gift from God. It is a mindset of deep appreciation for the good things in life, even amidst its arduous challenges, or adversities. Gratitude fosters contentment and a positive outlook to strive and focus on the lustre of life’s blessings rather than the perceived and unnecessary desires of continuous want. It acknowledges that one can highlight a positive aspect of every situation. This tender-hearted human quality can bring feelings of warmth, peace, and joy, while also encouraging humility, generosity, and a closer connection to both fellow man and God.

Many scenarios in life are sometimes subject to thanklessness due to the abundant pitfalls of expectation. In established, but monotonous relationships, partners can fall into colorless routines and wrongly assume their actions are appreciated, causing them to neglect small, but necessary gestures of reverence. This often unintentional neglect can lead to ingratitude and cause a quiet but destructive emotional distance. Inappreciativeness can include or result from social, emotional, or physical separation, but the core concept of thanklessness is often instigated by a deeper lack of respect or regard, not the defining issue itself. For example, being distanced from loved ones can lead to a fruitless situation where the happiness or joy of life is perhaps lost or hard to discover.

Luke 17:11-19 describes Jesus healing ten lepers, where one, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks, while the others do not. The passage emphasizes two distinct themes: Jesus' compassion for the marginalized, and the respectful response to God's work being of faithful gratitude and thanksgiving. The story highlights that salvation is available to all, including outcasts, and that faith expressed through gratitude is essential for a commensurate relationship with God, not just physical recuperation. The biblical passage reminds us: “On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Gratitude has immense value and importance, because it inherently involves regard for, or recognition. It becomes an awareness of the goodness in one's life and the acknowledgment that its source lies, at least partially, outside of oneself. It is a cognitive and emotional phenomenon where an individual concedes positive outcomes and gifts they have received, understanding that these benefits come from other people, circumstances, nature, or a divine power. It enhances mental health because it reduces stress, anxiety, and depression by shifting focus from negative aspects to positive thoughts, improves overall mood and happiness, intensifies resilience to overcome setbacks, and strengthens social relationships. By focusing on the good, gratitude fosters a sense of contentment, makes one more optimistic, and provides a more positive perspective on life's challenges.

Gratitude originates from the heart as a deep-seated feeling of thankfulness and appreciation for benefits received. While it can sometimes be considered just a fleeting emotion, gratitude is also cultivated through intentional practices, shaping a grateful heart into a source that fosters happiness, contentment, and peace, even in the most arduous of circumstances.

Thanksgiving is a traditional national holiday, celebrated in America and Canada, that expresses gratitude for the blessings of the past year and the harvest. It's primarily celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November and encapsulates sharing a large meal, often featuring turkey, with family and friends. The holiday has historical roots in an early harvest feast shared between the English colonists (Pilgrims) and the native Wampanoag people in 1621, though it has evolved into a secular tradition focused on gratitude and marking the start of the Christmas holiday season. Thanksgiving can be seen as a heartfelt invitation to unite by drawing people together through shared gratitude, community meals, and expressions of appreciation for loved ones and blessings, fostering a spirit of togetherness and connection. Historically, it's a day for citizens and communities to be solemnly acknowledged together in praise, and it continues to provide an opportunity to share moments and stories that strengthen bonds.