The Gift Of Gratitude

Pastor Jacob Aranza

November 23, 2025

Main Idea

The main idea communicated that gratitude is not merely about thankfulness but is a powerful force that transforms our spiritual lives. We were reminded that, unlike the nine lepers who simply received healing, the Samaritan who expressed gratitude encountered Jesus personally and received wholeness. This shows us that gratitude connects us with God and that it is a discipline we must cultivate to maintain our faith and joy. The sermon highlighted that expressing gratitude is essential for spiritual health, teaching us to focus on blessings over burdens. It also conveyed that our gratitude should match what we receive, fostering a genuine connection with God that enhances our faith and keeps our hearts open to His presence.

Scripture References

Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 100:4, Psalm 22:3, John 4:23

What does gratitude mean to you in your daily life?

How can you practice gratitude in challenging times?

Discussion Questions:

In what ways does expressing gratitude affect your relationships?

Why do you think only one leper returned to thank Jesus?

How has gratitude changed your perspective on your circumstances?

Summary

In the sermon, we reflected on the story of the ten lepers who called out for mercy from Jesus while keeping their distance. While all received healing, only one returned to express gratitude and was made whole. We were reminded that gratitude draws us closer to God and allows us to hear truth that others miss. The message taught us that expressing gratitude involves recognizing the cost of grace and matching our praise to God with our prayers. It emphasized that gratitude is not only beneficial for our spirit but also has scientific backing for improving our mental health. Through the Samaritan’s actions, we were shown that gratitude deepens our relationship with Jesus and can heal us beyond mere physical ailments.