“Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?’” Luke 17:17 (NIV)
I’m terrible at Thanksgiving crafts, but I think those “gratitude jars” on Pinterest are a fantastic idea. I pull out a Mason jar and tie a burlap ribbon around it, then grab a slip of patterned paper to try some calligraphy.
My “G” is messy. But it’s not about the jar, right? It’s about the slips of paper I’ll put in there every day, capturing sweet moments for which I’m thankful. Later that year, we’ll pull them out and read them as a family.
Everyone will smile at the memories …
Then reality kicks in. It’s more likely my gratitude jar will have three or four slips of paper before it's forgotten on a shelf. It’s a great idea, but somehow a pretty jar doesn’t do the heart work for me.
In Luke 17:11-19, we see 10 men with leprosy who dared to speak to Jesus. Their skin disease also made them ceremonially unclean, but Jesus sent them to the priests, and on the way, they were healed. No more disfigurement or pain. They could return to their jobs and families. Imagine their joy!
One Samaritan man returned to thank Jesus.
Only one.
Jesus said, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” (Luke 17:17). Surely they were just as elated, but only one was grateful enough to return and thank Jesus. Nine people were healed on the exterior, but they still needed some inner work.
Sometimes our greatest heart work takes place when we acknowledge where we are the least thankful.
Maybe this Thanksgiving, your house will be full. There’ll be dirty dishes. Your dad will tell that same corny, old joke. It’s easy to get distracted by the noise or the mess, but what if we stepped into our ingratitude with honest prayer?
Dear Lord, today I saw the mess and heard the noise, but let me pause and point out the reasons I’m thankful for the people around the table.
Perhaps you’ve been busy at work. I know I have. What if we prayed:
Oh, Lord, I gripe about my workload when a year ago I was praying for a job. Have I stopped to thank You for provision?
I just celebrated another birthday. When I look in the mirror, I see those years adding up … and I pray:
Father, I see wrinkles and years gaining, but I’ve failed to thank You for another day. I’d like to change that.
When we step honestly into areas of ingratitude, it has the power to change us. We run back to Jesus, aware of the immense gifts we’ve been given.
We may not all have a gratitude jar, but we can ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and help us listen to our words. Let’s look for the miracles and write them on our hearts.
Let’s run to Jesus and tell Him … thank You.
Father, sometimes I take my miracles for granted, or I think You already know I’m grateful. For whatever reason, I haven’t expressed that, but today I’m falling to my knees to say how grateful I am. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
This Christmas, give more than just a gift — give lasting encouragement, joy, and hope. Our thoughtfully curated Christmas Collection is filled with meaningful devotionals and beautiful gifts designed to bless the hearts of the people you love most. Each item is created to inspire, uplift, and point back to the Truth of God’s Word — making this season truly memorable. With gifts for every budget, it’s easier than ever to share encouragement and remind someone special that they’re deeply loved. This year, don’t just check names off your list … give the kind of gift that lingers long after the wrapping paper is gone.
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1 Thessalonians 5:18, “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (NKJV).
Romans 14:6a, “Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord” (NIV).
1 Chronicles 16:34, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever” (NIV).
We are often hyperaware of others’ ingratitude but can be blind to our own. Ask a trusted, godly friend if they’ll share one way you express gratitude well and one way you can get better. Take those words and allow the Holy Spirit to begin His work. We’d also love to hear from you in the comments!
© 2025 by Suzanne Eller. All rights reserved.
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