The Power of Gratitude: Lessons from the Healing of the Ten Lepers

Pastor Jeremy Eastman emphasizes the importance of gratitude through the biblical story of Jesus healing ten lepers, highlighting how a grateful heart leads to wholeness and deeper faith.

As we approach Thanksgiving, it is essential to reflect on the significance of gratitude in our lives. Pastor Jeremy Eastman from Ignite Church WV shares profound insights from the biblical account of Jesus healing ten lepers, emphasizing that gratitude should be a constant practice, not just a seasonal sentiment.

Living a Life of Thanks

Pastor Eastman begins by reminding us that gratitude should permeate our daily lives. We are encouraged to pray without ceasing and to give thanks continuously. The very breath we take and the ability to gather and worship are reasons to glorify God.

The Story of the Ten Lepers

The pastor recounts Luke 17:11-19, where Jesus encounters ten lepers who cry out for mercy. They stand at a distance, acknowledging Jesus as Master and pleading for His compassion. Jesus instructed them to show themselves to the priests, which was the law for those seeking to be declared clean from leprosy.

The Act of Faith

As the lepers obey Jesus and head towards the priests, they are cleansed along the way. This act of faith illustrates that sometimes healing requires us to take steps forward, trusting in God's word. The pastor draws parallels to our lives, where we often seek immediate results but must sometimes wait and act in faith before seeing change.

The Return of the Grateful Leper

Out of the ten lepers, only one returns to thank Jesus, and he is a Samaritan. This highlights a significant point: the one who was considered an outsider recognized the miracle and returned to express gratitude. Jesus notes the absence of the other nine, prompting us to reflect on our own responses to God's blessings.

The Importance of Gratitude

Pastor Eastman emphasizes that gratitude is not just about acknowledging blessings but also about recognizing the source of those blessings. He shares personal testimonies of healing and miraculous interventions in his life and the lives of others, reinforcing the idea that gratitude leads to wholeness.

The Difference Between Healing and Wholeness

The pastor explains that while the other nine lepers experienced physical healing, the one who returned to Jesus received something more profound—wholeness. This wholeness encompasses not just physical health but spiritual and emotional restoration. It is a reminder that a close relationship with Jesus is essential for true healing.

Cultivating a Grateful Heart

To cultivate a grateful heart, we must practice gratitude daily. The pastor encourages us to express appreciation not only to God but also to those around us. Gratitude can transform our perspective and enhance our relationships. He cites Ephesians 5:19-20, which instructs us to give thanks always for everything to God.

The Role of Community

Gratitude also fosters community. Pastor Eastman highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of others in our lives. By expressing gratitude, we strengthen our bonds and create a supportive environment.

Conclusion

In closing, Pastor Eastman urges us to embrace gratitude as a lifestyle. It is not merely a holiday practice but a daily commitment to recognize God's goodness and the blessings in our lives. As we reflect on the story of the ten lepers, let us strive to be like the one who returned, acknowledging the source of our blessings and living in a state of thankfulness.

Let us remember that gratitude opens the door to deeper faith and wholeness in our lives. May we all develop a grateful heart that continually praises God for His steadfast love and mercy.