Sermon Central
-
The Power Of A Grateful Heart
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jun 9, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Gratitude is a powerful force in the life of a believer. It is more than just saying “thank you”—it is a spiritual posture that recognises God as the source of every good and perfect gift.
THE POWER OF A GRATEFUL HEART
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Luke 17:11-19
Supporting Texts: Psalm 103:1–5, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 3:15–17, Psalm 100:4
INTRODUCTION:
Gratitude is a powerful force in the life of a believer. It is more than just saying “thank you”—it is a spiritual posture that recognises God as the source of every good and perfect gift. In our main text, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to give thanks. This story reveals that while many receive blessings, few return to honour the Giver.
The grateful leper, a Samaritan, not only received physical healing like the others, but he also received something more—wholeness. Gratitude opened the door for a deeper encounter with Jesus. The act of returning to give thanks showed faith, humility, and reverence, and it distinguished him from the rest.
In today’s church work and personal life, gratitude is a key that unlocks more of God’s favour. When we develop a lifestyle of thanksgiving, we move from just receiving miracles to walking in lasting transformation. Let us now explore the spiritual power and impact of having a grateful heart.
1. GRATITUDE IS A RESPONSE OF FAITH
Gratitude acknowledges the miracle and the miracle worker.
a) It reveals the heart behind the healing (Luke 17:15-16)
Only one of the ten lepers turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice—this was not just a ritual; it was an outpouring of genuine faith.
b) Thanksgiving completes your testimony (Revelation 12:11)
Returning to thank God seals the miracle and declares God’s power publicly.
c) Gratitude is a form of worship (Psalm 95:2-3)
The Samaritan leper fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, showing that thanksgiving leads to worship.
d) Faith expressed through gratitude honours God (Romans 4:20)
When we thank God in faith, we glorify Him for what He has done and trust Him for what He will yet do.
Biblical Example: Hannah returned to Shiloh to give thanks after receiving her son Samuel and dedicated him back to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27-28).
2. GRATITUDE OPENS THE DOOR TO WHOLENESS
Many receive a touch from God, but only the grateful receive complete restoration.
a) Ten were healed, but one was made whole (Luke 17:19)
Wholeness implies more than healing—it suggests restoration, peace, and divine completion.
b) Thankfulness attracts deeper encounters (Psalm 103:1-5)
As we bless the Lord, we begin to experience the full benefits of salvation: forgiveness, healing, satisfaction, and renewal.
c) Wholeness affects the body, soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
A grateful heart invites God’s sanctifying work in every area of life.
d) Thanksgiving is the key to the supernatural (Philippians 4:6-7)
As we give thanks, the peace of God guards our hearts and opens us up to divine provision and protection.
Biblical Example: The woman with the alabaster box showed her gratitude in worship and went away with peace and forgiveness (Luke 7:47–50).
3. GRATITUDE DISTINGUISHES YOU IN THE CROWD
A thankful person stands out in a world of entitlement and forgetfulness.
a) Gratitude is a mark of spiritual maturity (Colossians 3:15)
Mature believers live with an awareness of God's daily mercies and express it consistently.
b) Many forget the source after the blessing (Deuteronomy 8:11–14)
Gratitude keeps us humble and reminds us of God’s hand in our success.
c) A thankful person draws God’s attention (Luke 17:17–18)
Jesus noticed that only one returned. Gratitude is rare—and it catches Heaven’s eye.
d) Grateful people carry favour and honour (Proverbs 3:9–10)
When we honour God with our thanksgiving, He honours us in return.
Biblical Example: King David danced and gave thanks before the ark—his gratitude distinguished him from others and earned God’s commendation (2 Samuel 6:14-22).
4. GRATITUDE SUSTAINS GOD’S BLESSINGS
Thanksgiving is not only a response; it is also a preservative of grace.
a) It keeps your heart aligned with God’s will (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Thankfulness, even in trials, sustains our faith and keeps us in divine alignment.
b) It prevents murmuring and complaining (Philippians 2:14)
A grateful heart is a joyful heart, free from bitterness and resentment.
c) Gratitude multiplies what you already have (John 6:11)
Jesus gave thanks before feeding the 5,000. Thanksgiving leads to supernatural increase.
d) It invites the continuous flow of miracles (Psalm 67:5–7)
Let the people praise You, O God… then the earth shall yield her increase.
Biblical Example: Paul and Silas praised and gave thanks in prison—and God sent an earthquake of deliverance (Acts 16:25-26).
CONCLUSION:
The story of the ten lepers is a vivid reminder that while many may receive from God, few truly acknowledge Him with gratitude. Thanksgiving is not optional—it is essential. It reveals faith, attracts God’s favour, opens the door to wholeness, and sustains divine blessings. God is not only looking for faith—He is looking for thankful hearts.
Make gratitude your lifestyle, not just an occasional reaction. Return like the one leper. Fall at His feet in thanksgiving. When you do, you will not only be healed—you will be made whole. Thanksgiving turns a momentary miracle into a lasting transformation.
