[348 words]
Thankfulness is an attitude of heart and mind that expresses itself in speech and action. Most of us have experienced ingratitude from another at some time in our lives, and such an experience is less than satisfying. Have you ever done something for someone, only to be received with little or no appreciation, or complete unconcern? Kind of makes it hard to want to rush to do another favor, doesn’t it?
I often wonder how God feels at His creation’s ingratitude. How many have felt God’s sunshine, breathed God’s air, been blessed with God’s rain, and yet never stopped to think of – or thank – the Creator of all such? Many, I’m sure, never give a thought to God, though they are here by God’s grace and live by God’s favor. What ingrates we humans can be.
Even more, think about the greatest gift God has conferred upon man: the gift of His Son Jesus. Yet many go through life, day in and day out, without ever acknowledging this great gift. The Bible says, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die: But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8).
When we were undeserving, when we were yet enemies of God, the Father, in infinite love, gave His Son to die on our behalf. God’s lovely and innocent Son paid a debt we owed, took upon Himself a penalty we deserved, and accepted punishment for transgressions we had committed. And this beneficent sacrifice was motivated by great, matchless, unbounded and unearned love from God toward us:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Not just this time of year, but at every season we should be always thankful, always grateful, always appreciative, to our great God.
John M. Brown
Flatwoods church of Christ
Flatwoods, KY