Should we always show gratitude to God no matter the circumstance, no matter how small the blessing? This is a question that's often not spoken but reflective in our relationship with God. Let's explore Bitter Gratitude.

 

We often fixate on what we don't have, making it difficult to appreciate what we do have. This can lead to a sense of unfulfillment and a desire for more, even when we already possess much. When I was younger or quoting William Shakespeare, in my "salad days, green in judgement" I was definitely guilty of this mindset, and struggled to understand what God wanted me to do to gain His favor. I prayed, attended church, reluctantly helped those with less, I wanted a quick fix and an immediate blessing to a pressing problem in my life. It was important to me, so why was God ignoring me when I needed Him most? After decades of counseling others, studying the word, and reflective self inventory I've discovered our shortcomings in gratitude, point and counter-point.

 

Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers - Luke 17:11-19

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. He was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."  

 

What happened to the other nine lepers? Where was their gratitude for such a monumental healing? There are several reasons we sometimes fail to give thanks, and only offer "bitter gratitude" if gratitude is expressed at all.

 

Entitlement

This noun can lead to the belief that blessings are deserved, rather than gifts, making it harder to be thankful. We may not always see the value in small blessings, like having good health or a loving family, little to eat, or even a low paying job. These things we often sometimes without forethought take for granted, or discount because of the small significance we believe it plays in our lives. We often believe the smaller blessing is insignificant compared to our actual want, desire or need. Our society often encourages us to desire material possessions and achievements, which can make us feel inadequate even when we are striving for more or even when we have much. 

 

Source

We might forget that these small blessings are gifts from God, rather than simply things that happen in life. Remember that old adage "life happens?" And we sometimes feel there is nothing significant, important or divine about the minute occurrences in our lives. But when we recognize these blessings as divine, it can shift our perspective from simply accepting them as part of life to acknowledging their source and significance. This acknowledgment can lead to increased gratitude and a deeper connection with faith. 

 

Ignorance

For some of us it's simple ignorance. Some people are not thankful to God simply because they are ignorant of His blessing in their lives. They have not spent enough time studying Scripture. They do not understand what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do. This attitude highlights the limitations of human understanding and the vastness of divine plans. This idea is used to emphasize the need for faith and trust in a higher power, even when its actions seem unclear or contradictory. 

 

Lack of focus

We can be so busy and distracted that we don't take the time to appreciate the small blessings in our lives. But when we focus it changes our perspective. Focusing on small blessings can shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, leading to a greater sense of contentment and appreciation for life. Focusing on the small favors promotes gratitude. Remember saints, practicing gratitude can help us become more aware of the good things in our lives, even in the midst of difficulties.  

 

Quoting a wonderful 2015 article by Chrystal Evans Hurst from Proverbs 31 Ministries, "The big things are in the small things". https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2015/04/28/the-big-things-are-in-the-small-things Only when we recognize these factors and focus on the present moment, we can cultivate a more grateful heart and learn to appreciate the small blessings in our lives. If you find yourself in bitter appreciation I encourage you to make time for gratitude. Keep a gratitude journal or set aside time each day to think about the things you're grateful for. It is cathartic and healing. You will come to understand and love the Lord even more.  And in the Sunday Believer's tradition, I leave you with my favorite scriptures to grow in faith and appreciation of God's work. Take care Believer family, and God bless.

 

With love,

Rev. Dr. Paul D. Alehouse,

*Church of God in Christ

 

 

Colossians 3:17 

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

 

Hebrews 12:28

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,

 

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

 

 

*The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) is an international Holiness–Pentecostal Christian denomination, and a large Pentecostal denomination in the United States. Although an international and multi-ethnic religious organization, it has a predominantly African-American membership based within the United States. The international headquarters is in Memphis, Tennessee.