Tomorrow is the Thanksgiving Holiday. In the United States we set aside a day to express our gratefulness for the bountiful blessings bestowed upon us. These benefits are not just food, clothing, shelter and transportation. We also celebrate love and friendship as we gather together over a meal with anyone with whom we can share our appreciation. UNTHANKFUL is not a word that is used too often this week. It means not feeling or showing pleasure, relief or gratitude. Did you realize thankfulness is a pleasurable and relieving virtue? Gratefulness takes the pressure off and brings joy. Unthankfulness is a negative characteristic of carnal people in the last days:
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy… (2 Tim. 3:1-2)
I’m not sure we see our complaints, discontent, and lack of gratitude as manifestations of the flesh. The LORD has given us a beautiful gift called life, but our insatiable appetite makes us look at it with disgust exclaiming, “It’s not enough,” because we didn’t get what we expected. In the US we compare, compete and possess so much, yet we’re never satisfied. Thankfulness can curb our disgruntlement and restlessness.
The holidays can be difficult. Those who have lost loved ones experience grief. Others may feel forced to engage folks they don’t know or like. Jesus understands. He gave His life for people who were at enmity with Him. Christ loved and served those who worship this world more than God. (James 4:4) Jesus instructed His disciples how to treat even those who are hostile toward us: But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (Luke 6:35)
|
|
 |
