The Sin of Ingratitude: From Entitlement to Thanksgiving By Joseph Ondu

The Sin of Ingratitude: From Entitlement to Thanksgiving

We think that we suffer from ingratitude, while in reality we suffer from self-love. Walter Savage Landor

Main Scriptures

Psalm 50:12-15 “If I were hungry, I would not ask you for food, for the world and everything in it is mine. Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? Let the giving of thanks be your sacrifice to God and give the Almighty all that you promised. Call to me when trouble comes; I will save you, and you will praise me.”

Introduction

Gratitude is defined as a positive emotional reaction that serves a biological purpose. It’s the appreciation of the valuable and meaningful things in our lives. There are sins committed by action known as sins of commission, and there are other sins we commit by failing to do what we ought to do, known as sins of omission. As James 4:17 teaches, "Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin."

Ingratitude is a deadly sin. God directly calls it evil! An ungrateful attitude is something that most are unaware of in themselves, but everyone else can see. It is a deep character flaw. Although few will tell you about it, ingratitude sticks out like a sore thumb.

We are living in a generation of ingratitude. People take gratefulness for granted. Are we raising an ungrateful generation? Are we moving from a grateful generation to an entitled generation? Gratefulness goes beyond tribe, race, religion, and status. Show gratefulness to people who are directly involved in your life. If you thank them, you break the chain of ingratitude, and it will not follow your children.

Ingratitude is not just about forgetting to say “thank you.” It reflects a deep character flaw where pride, entitlement, or a critical spirit overshadows our ability to appreciate God's goodness and the kindness of others. Jesus rebuked ingratitude in Luke 17:17-18 when only one of the ten lepers returned to thank Him after being healed.

Example of Matthew Henry

A man stole the wallet of the Bible commentator Matthew Henry. As he reflected on the incident, Henry said, “Let me be thankful, first, because he never robbed me before; second, because although he took my purse, he did not take my life; third, because although he took all I possessed, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.” Unquestionably, Henry’s attitude is one we need, particularly this year.

Reflecting on the incident, he chose to find reasons to be thankful instead of dwelling on the negative aspects. He expressed gratitude for four things: first, it was his first time being robbed; second, although his wallet was taken, his life was spared; third, the thief took everything he had, but it wasn't much; and fourth, he was the victim and not the perpetrator. Henry's attitude exemplifies a profound sense of gratitude and perspective, something especially needed in challenging times.

Causes of the Sin of Ingratitude

1. Pride Those who see their success as a result of their own strength often fail to give God the glory. Ingratitude takes away God's rightful glory. Romans 1:21 states, "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened."

2. Idolatry Acknowledging other sources instead of God for our blessings is a form of idolatry. Isaiah 42:8 says, "I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols."

3. Focusing on Challenges: A person who focuses on their challenges rather than their blessings cannot thank God. Psalm 34:19 reminds us, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all."

4. Setting High Standards: Comparing oneself to others who appear more successful can lead to jealousy and ingratitude. Celebrate what you have at every stage of your life.

5. Complaining: The Israelites complained against God in the wilderness (Numbers 14:2-4). Complaining blinds us to God's blessings and provisions.

6. Being Critical A critical spirit cannot express gratitude. Criticism often overshadows the ability to appreciate and thank God for His blessings.

 

 

Importance of Gratitude

1. Gratitude as Worship Gratitude should carry weight and be a form of worship. Psalm 50:14 says, "Let the giving of thanks be your sacrifice to God and give the Almighty all that you promised."

2. Gratitude Activates Miracles Gratitude turns what little you have into abundance. An ungrateful heart disqualifies you for the next miracle.

3. Thanking others is a sign of meekness, not weakness. It changes your perspective and enriches your life.

4. Gratitude Determines Your Altitude Your level of gratitude often determines the level of blessings you experience.

5. Expressing Gratitude Unspoken gratitude is ingratitude. Express your thankfulness openly.

6. Ingratitude can lead to loss. Matthew 25:29 warns, "For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them."

Gratitude is more than saying "thank you." It is a form of worship, an acknowledgment of God's grace, and a lifestyle that brings blessings and joy. Let us repent from the spirit of ingratitude and cultivate a heart of thankfulness, counting our blessings every day.

 

Practical Approaches to Cultivating Gratitude:

1. Reflect Daily on Blessings
• Practical Approach: Make it a habit to reflect on at least three things you're grateful for each day. This practice helps shift your focus from what you lack to what you already have.
• Positive Thinking: Train your mind to see the good in every situation by reminding yourself, "I am blessed with what I have, and more will come in God's time."
2. Express Gratitude to Others
• Practical Approach: Be intentional about thanking the people around you—whether it's a family member, colleague, or friend. Gratitude breaks the chain of ingratitude and spreads positivity.
• Positive Thinking: Replace entitlement with, "I owe gratitude for every kindness shown to me, no matter how small." This mindset fosters humility and appreciation.
3. Focus on God's Provisions, Not Challenges
• Practical Approach: When overwhelmed by challenges, shift your focus to the solutions God has provided in the past and trust Him for your current situation.
• Positive Thinking: Affirm, "Though I face challenges, I know God is working everything for my good." This keeps you grounded in faith rather than despair.
4. Combat Complaining with Thanksgiving
• Practical Approach: When you catch yourself complaining, stop and list things you are thankful for. Complaints blind us to God's blessings.
• Positive Thinking: Replace complaints with affirmations like, "God is always providing for me in ways I might not immediately see."
5. Overcome a Critical Spirit
• Practical Approach: A critical spirit stifles gratitude. Focus on the positive qualities of people and situations rather than searching for flaws.
• Positive Thinking: Shift your mindset from, "This isn't good enough" to, "I am grateful for what I have and for what God is doing."

Gratitude as Worship:

1. Gratitude as Worship
• Practical Approach: Make thanksgiving a regular part of your worship. Take time in your prayers to thank God without asking for anything.
• Positive Thinking: Affirm, "My gratitude is my worship, and it brings me closer to God."
2. Gratitude Activates Miracles
• Practical Approach: When facing lack, express gratitude for what you have. Gratitude turns what little you have into abundance.
• Positive Thinking: Say, "By thanking God for what I have, I invite His abundance into my life."
3. Gratitude Changes Perspective
• Practical Approach: Recognize that thanking others and God humbles us and opens our hearts to receiving more blessings.
• Positive Thinking: "Gratitude opens my life to God's favor and more blessings."
4. Ingratitude Can Lead to Loss

·         Practical Approach: Understand that ungratefulness disqualifies you for future blessings. Choose to express gratitude to avoid losing the gifts you've been given.

·         Positive Thinking: Affirm, "My gratitude keeps me aligned with God's blessings and increases my capacity for more."

Prayer Declaration:

Heavenly Father, I come before You today with a heart full of thanksgiving. I repent of any ingratitude that has crept into my heart, whether through pride, entitlement, or a critical spirit. I declare that I will cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing that every good thing in my life comes from You.

Lord, help me to be mindful of the many blessings You’ve given me. I commit to reflecting daily on Your goodness and expressing my thanks to You and to those around me. I will not allow challenges to overshadow my gratitude, but I will focus on the ways You have always delivered me.

I pray for a humble spirit that acknowledges Your hand in every success and provision. I thank You, Lord, for turning my small blessings into abundance and for giving me a heart that appreciates both the big and small things in life.

As I practice gratitude, may it be a form of worship that draws me closer to You. I declare that through my thanksgiving, doors of favor and blessings will open. Help me to overcome any spirit of complaint or criticism, and instead, fill my mouth with praise and thanksgiving.

In Jesus' name,
Amen.

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