Today we’re going to look at thankfulness in another way. First of all this blog is definitely later in the day but did you know we can still receive words of instruction and wisdom from the Lord at noon.
“Let the Lord lead you and trust him to help. 6 Then it will be as clear
as the noonday sun that you were right. 7 Be patient and trust the Lord. Don’t let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things.” Psalm 37:5-7 CEV
So the question is – how do we treat people who are unkind, ungrateful and even mean. Jesus gave this instruction to his disciples;
“I’m telling you to love your enemies and do good to them. Lend to people without expecting to get anything back. If you do this, you will have a great reward. You will be children of the Most High God. Yes, because God is good even to the people who are full of sin and not thankful. 36 Give love and mercy the same as your Father gives love and mercy.
37 “Don’t judge others, and God will not judge you. Don’t condemn others, and you will not be condemned. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give to others, and you will receive. You will be given much. It will be poured into your hands—more than you can hold. You will be given so much that it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you.” Luke 6:35-38 CEV
Jesus instruction was clear – we are to be an example of God to those we deal with each day. We were all sinners by nature but Jesus freely gave His life so that we could have eternal life and be brought into right relationship with God the Father. He gave freely and so should we.
Look at that 2nd phrase in today’s verses, lend without expecting to get anything back. What have you lent…your time, your friendship, your assistance, your tools, your car, your money, your love, your compassion, your attention and genuine interest. When you lend without expecting to get things back then you’ve really made them a gift and in giving you’re an example of your heavenly Father.
So today look for an opportunity to give to someone who is by nature unthankful. “Don’t be bothered when things go well for them”. Maybe they were raised to be skeptical and feel that anytime someone gave something it was with a hidden agenda – so give today, genuinely give.
Who knows you may be the one God is using to break through and bring out an attitude of gratitude.