The Power of Gratitude: Lessons from the Ten Lepers

“Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.” (Psalm 119:91, NIV)

Luke’s Gospel recounts the story of ten men afflicted with leprosy, seeking healing from Jesus. Leprosy, an incurable disease, drove them to ask for His touch, and He granted their request. Surprisingly, only one of the ten returned to express gratitude. This man, upon realizing his healing, returned to Jesus, exclaiming, “Praise God!” He fell at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him for the miraculous change in his life (Luke 17:15-16, NLT).

This grateful man was not only vocal in his request for healing but also loud in his praise. The original language uses words akin to our English “megaphone,” underscoring his loud expression of gratitude to Jesus.

As Christians, we should offer thanks to God because we acknowledge His control over all aspects of our lives. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (NLT). God’s sovereignty means He can do as He pleases with whomever He chooses, whenever He wishes. Jeremiah expressed this truth, saying, “I know, LORD, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course” (Jeremiah 10:23, NLT). Similarly, Proverbs 20:24 states, “The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” (NLT).

Even in the face of adversity, when bad things happen, God remains in control. The Bible reassures us that despite inexplicable trials, God can orchestrate all circumstances for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). As the psalmist declares, “Everything serves [His] plans” (Psalm 119:91, NLT).