Be The One In Ten

Jesus asked, “There were ten who were healed; where are the other nine? Why is this foreigner the only one who came back to give thanks to God?”
Luke 17:17-18 GNT

In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter a profound story of ten lepers who approached Jesus, pleading for healing. With compassion, Jesus instructed them to show themselves to the priest. And as they went, a miracle occurred: all ten were cleansed of their disease.

Yet, in a moment that unveils the depths of human ingratitude, only one returned to express his thanks. Falling at Jesus’ feet in worship, this lone grateful soul was a Samaritan, a foreigner among the group. Jesus, noting the absence of the others, posed a question: “Where are the nine?”

This simple statistic—nine out of ten failing to return—lays bare a sobering truth about human nature: ingratitude is all too common. We often receive blessings, only to move on without looking back in gratitude.

But as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. Our lives in Him demand a spirit of continual thankfulness, setting us apart from the world.

Apostle Paul echoes this truth succinctly: “Be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 GNT).

At the root of ingratitude lies entitlement—the belief that we deserve certain privileges without earning them. The nine Jewish lepers, perhaps steeped in their cultural heritage, may have viewed healing as their rightful inheritance, dismissing it as “the children’s bread.” In contrast, the Samaritan, an outsider with no such presumptions, recognized the gift for what it was: unmerited favor.

We must embrace the reality that no one owes us anything. In our fallen state, we all deserve judgment for our sins. Yet, God, in His boundless mercy, showers us with undeserved favors: breath in our lungs, vibrant health, cherished relationships, and countless joys that enrich our days.

If you’ve been an ingrate, perpetually complaining about your circumstances, pause and repent. Turn your heart toward thankfulness today.

Gratitude is a powerful force. It attracts the glory of God into your life and fosters a radiant, positive outlook in life. Conversely, depression and anxiety often stem from fixating on what’s lacking, rather than reflecting on God’s faithfulness. When we cultivate the habit of counting our blessings, joy becomes our constant companion, sustaining us through every season. If we spend our days counting our blessings, we will live all our days in joy.

Consider where God has taken you from this year alone. Jot down the milestones—the answered prayers, the unexpected provisions, the quiet mercies. Thank Him lavishly for each one. This is the way of the kingdom: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” (Psalm 100:4).

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, I am deeply grateful for all You’ve done in my life this year and in years past. Thank You for the gift of life, for health that sustains me, for provision that meets my needs, and for the stability that anchors my days. I recognize now that every good thing comes from Your hand alone. Help me to live with a heart overflowing in thanks, honoring You in all circumstances, in Jesus Name, Amen.