(The following is the March 26 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Luke 17 and pay close attention to verses 11-19.)

It feels good to receive gratitude from others who benefit from our actions. While we can’t demand it and should do kind deeds without expecting thanks or recognition, we still appreciate it when others thank us. Conversely, if we go out of our way to be generous or helpful to others and they show no sign of appreciation, it can rub us the wrong way. We may never mention it, but we most likely notice the absence of gratitude.

Jesus did not exhibit petty human responses as we might to such situations, but he did notice the difference between those who showed gratitude for his healing and those who did not. When he healed ten men from leprosy one day, only one returned to Jesus and, “with a loud voice, gave glory to God. He fell facedown at his feet, thanking him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus said, ‘Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?’” (vv. 15-18). All ten experienced miraculous healing from leprosy, yet only one – a Samaritan despised by other Jews – returned with gratitude to thank and worship Jesus.

As God’s children, we experience healing from something far more consequential than leprosy – our sin. Jesus has saved us from an unthinkable and unquenchable eternity in Hell. We have the Holy Spirit’s constant presence within us and the guidance of his Word. Are we grateful every day? Do we demonstrate that appreciation in word, deed, and attitude throughout the day? We should.

Our gracious God deserves praise and recognition. We who were foreigners to God’s holiness have been cleansed forever by Christ. We must return to him regularly, eagerly, humbly, and, like the healed leper, give him the glory. He deserves that and much, much more.

Next Step:
List ways the Lord has healed you spiritually, physically, and emotionally, then thank and worship him in prayer.