Give ThanksSample

Give Thanks for Forgiveness

Have you ever forgotten something? Maybe a password, a new acquaintance’s name, or a friend’s birthday? Probably. Forgetting is easy to do. It’s so easy, in fact, that many (if not all) of us forget one important thing almost daily: to give thanks. We get so accustomed to the blessings in our life that instead of taking time to thank God every day, we spend time asking God for things instead. God does want to hear our needs and petitions. However, we’re often guilty of letting our wants exceed our gratitude.

Many of us are like the group Jesus met and healed in Luke 17. These men were afflicted with a horrible disease called leprosy. The disease caused them to be excluded from community and worship in God’s temple. When Jesus miraculously healed these men, He sent them to priests who would verify their healing and perform the purification rites necessary for them to rejoin God’s people in community and worship. Sadly, after all had gone to the priests, only one man came back to Jesus to say, “Thank-you.”

We can imagine why the others didn’t return to thank Jesus. Maybe they were too excited about their gift of healing to remember to say thank-you. Maybe they were too busy catching up with the friends and family they missed when they were exiled and excluded. Maybe they were just too eager to make up for the time they lost as outcasts. Whatever their reason, they forgot to give thanks. To their shame, they are remembered in Scripture for their lack of gratitude.

As Christians, we’ve received a gift greater than healing from leprosy. We’ve received forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Even when we’re in a season of need or trial, we can still be thankful for this forgiveness. This devotional will help us reflect on the wonderful gift of forgiveness through Christ. It will also inspire thanks and praise in our hearts as we consider the generosity of our Heavenly Father who loves us and gives us good gifts.

Thought of the Day: God’s forgiveness through Jesus Christ is something I can give thanks for every day. Even if I’m facing a trial or have a need, today I will remember to thank God for the wonderful gift of salvation I have received.