Gratitude

Marching into Gratitude: Healing Spiritual Leprosy with Purpose-Driven Hearts. Explore the transformative power of gratitude inspired by the story of the Ten Lepers in Luke 17:11-18.

Welcome to March, purpose-driven minds!

As we step into a new month, take a moment to reflect on gratitude. What are you thankful for today?

For me, the dawn of each day is a reminder of the precious gift of life, and I express my gratitude to God for all that He has done and continues to do. Gratitude is more than a fleeting sentiment; it's a constant acknowledgment of the blessings around us.

Psalm 34:1 encourages us: "I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth."

This brings to mind a beautiful song by Don Moen that resonates deeply with me. The lyrics remind us to give thanks not just in abundance but in every season of our lives.

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son
And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich because of what the Lord has done for us"

This song emphasizes the essence of giving thanks in all circumstances, even for things we haven't received yet. Learning from it, I've adopted an attitude of gratitude, not just expecting provision from God but thanking Him in anticipation.

In Matthew 14:13–21, Jesus, before miraculously feeding five thousand people, gave thanks in anticipation of provision. If you've been waiting for something since January, don't forget to give thanks—it's almost here.

Let's journey through March with hearts full of gratitude and purpose.

The Ten Lepers.

This story can be found in Luke 17:11-18. It’s a unique story because it was only accounted for in the book of Luke. In the story, there were ten lepers who cried to Jesus for mercy.

Leprosy is a chronic, curable infectious disease, mainly causing skin lesions and nerve damage. Leprosy, in biblical times, wasn't merely a physical ailment; it symbolized the spiritual separation from God due to sin. Everyone of us has once been in a state of spiritual leprosy, that is, when we were alienated from God. 

Jesus, the ultimate priest, entered our world to heal our spiritual leprosy through his sacrifice. Just as the lepers sought mercy, we too, in our spiritual destitution, cried out for salvation. Our faith in Jesus' redemptive act becomes the bridge between our sinful state and the restoration of our relationship with God.

The act of sending the lepers to the priest wasn't just about physical healing; it was a test of their faith. Similarly, our journey of faith involves tests and trials. Do we remember the joy and gratitude we felt when we first found salvation?

Regrettably, like the nine lepers who didn't return, we, too, can get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to express gratitude for the ongoing grace we receive. The Samaritan leper, often considered an outsider, serves as a powerful reminder. He not only received physical healing but also recognized the source of his restoration.

Luke 17:17–19 

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 

Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 

Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

This narrative emphasizes the intertwined nature of faith and gratitude. The act of returning to give thanks wasn't merely a formality; it was a recognition of the source of healing and a demonstration of trust in the divine provision.

In our own journeys, let's not only seek healing but also cultivate a spirit of gratitude that recognizes and acknowledges the hand of God in our lives. Like the Samaritan leper, may our faith lead us not just to physical wellness but to a profound wholeness that springs from a grateful heart. 

As we delve into the intertwining tapestry of faith and gratitude, let's carry the lessons of the Ten Lepers with us. May the echoes of their story resonate in our hearts, guiding us towards a path of continual thanksgiving. I'll be taking a brief break until April due to exams, but I anticipate returning with renewed insights and a shared purpose. Until then, may your journey be filled with grace, wisdom, and the steadfast embrace of faith.

Wishing you a purposeful and blessed month ahead!"