Joe R. Price

Thank you. Simple words that often go unspoken. This modest consideration of politeness is taken for granted and forgotten by many people. Christians should never be unthankful, but “in everything give thanks” (1 Thess. 5:18). Ingratitude is sin against God; Him in whom we all live and move and have our being, and also the One who has blessed Christians “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Acts 17:28; Eph. 1:3). Whether material or spiritual, “every good gift and every perfect gift” is from God, and thanksgiving is due His name (James 1:17; 1 Chron. 29:10-15). The sin of ingratitude indicates some clear, distinctive marks that help us identify it and repent. These marks of the sin of ingratitude include:

(1) Lack of respect. The child who is not thankful to their parents demonstrates a lack of respect for their mother and father. “Honor your father and mother” is obeyed by saying “thank you” and having an attitude of gratitude toward parents. Likewise, we show respect for God our Creator by being thankful to Him. God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness that displays irreverent ingratitude: “…they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Rom. 1:20-21). By disrespecting God, we show ourselves to be unthankful of His blessings.

(2) Misplaced love. Many people are too busy loving themselves and the things of this world to love God and be thankful to Him. The apostle Paul described “perilous times” when “men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers . . . despisers of good . . . lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away” (2 Tim. 3:1-5). Even when people appear godly, their unthankful attitude and ungrateful conduct condemn them. These love self and money and pleasure more than God. Where love for God, truth, and godliness do not abide, thankfulness will not be found.

(3) Pride. Israel became unthankful when she became prideful. She would say, “My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth” (Deut. 8:10-18, 17). Mighty King Nebuchadnezzar was proud until he was taught to bless (thank), praise, and honor Almighty God (Dan. 4:28-35). A proud heart cannot be a thankful heart because thankfulness requires humility.

We receive innumerable blessings from God's hand, the greatest of which is salvation in His Son. Like the Samaritan leper who returned to thank Jesus and give glory to God for his cleansing, we must give thanks for everything. Jesus saw faith in the man who said, “Thank you” (Luke 17:11-17). Does Jesus see faith in us by our gratitude for our cleansing from sin?