Just Say Thank You

If I had a dollar for every time I’d sent an email that wasn’t acknowledged or did a favor for someone who didn’t express a word of gratitude, I’d be a rich woman today. Alas ….

I am sure part of the problem is the busy lives we live. Another is that parents aren’t teaching their children manners. And, another part of the problem is plain old ungratefulness. People just aren’t thankful—they don’t even notice a favor when they see one.

My husband and I are in ministry, and we do things for people all the time. Many just expect kindnesses and favors. I guess they think it’s our job. (And, they’d be right.)

So, this post is three-fold:

1. It’s a reminder to acknowledge when people do things for you—however small. Just say thank you.
2. If you have children at home, teach them to say thank you, write thank-you notes, and be grateful.
3. It’s also a reminder never to expect thanks. If you don’t expect people to say thank you, you’ll be pleased when someone does. And, the rest of the time, you won’t sweat it. Just do good to others. It’s the Christian way.

Here are a few Bible verses on the subject:

• Be ye thankful (Colossians 3:15b).
• Paul gave thanks to those who helped him. Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf (2 Corinthians 1:11).
• Jesus said, 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. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful (Luke 6:32-36).

The mind of Jesus is thankfulness. He thanked God in His prayers.

It’s interesting that praise and thankfulness are the antidote for sin and anxiety.

• But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks (Ephesians 5:3-4).
• Be careful (anxious, full of care) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

For the Christian, thankfulness is a lifestyle.

• Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20).
• And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him (Colossians 3:17).
• By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15).

Be thankful. 
Show your appreciation. 
Acknowledge anything that’s done for you. 

It’s God’s will.