As we have journeyed through thankful verses this November, it has made me think.

Am I a thankful person? Would those around me who know me well say that I am a grateful person? There is always something to complain about or to be grateful for. Is my first response complaint or gratitude?

We looked at the leper who came back to thank Jesus. It made me think of others in the Bible who expressed gratitude.

Just think about this, Jesus thanked God on several occasions:

• Mark 8:6, “⁶ And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.”
• John 11:41, “⁴¹ Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.”
• Matthew 26:27, “²⁷ And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;”

Do you see that Jesus gave thanks before the answers came. As God, the Son of God, He fully trusted God and gave thanks. Jesus is our great example. Do you have others in your life who are examples of gratitude in your life?

I fall short, but so want to be like Jesus. I want to be a thankful person. As we finish out this month of gratitude, “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come!”