Gratitude and Faith

“To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Eph 1:6-7 AV)

I was reminded recently how thankfulness and faith cooperate, specifically in the application of God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  Paul mentions the forgiveness of sin by the blood of Christ in verse seven.  It appears in the context of the praise of verse six.  Being thankful for what God has done and expressing that gratitude is a work of faith as James teaches it in the second chapter of his letter.  Works and faith are not diametrically opposed.  Works of self-righteousness and faith are.  Faith is manifested by a change.  This change can be visible, or it can be internal.  But there is a change.  There is a change of action, demeanor, or spirit.  When it comes to accepting God’s forgiveness, expressing gratefulness is that act of faith that makes the forgiveness of God efficacious.  A thankful heart goes a long way in making grace a permanent comfort.

A king wished to show his subjects kindness beyond the normal.  He called for a feast.  The best was offered.  All his subjects gathered on the castle grounds.  There were activities for the children.  There were competitions for the men and boys.  The ladies were treated to pampering and comfort.  Mealtime came, and the servants of the king laid out savory meats, fresh vegetables prepared several different ways, and baked goods to satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooth.  Following the meal, the king called for the attention of all his guests.  At their place setting, there was an envelope.  They were instructed to open it.  Inside they found one gold coin, an envelope with the king’s name and address on it, and a blank note card.  They were told the gold coin had to be held until six months from the present date.  After that date, the coin would hold its face value.  Most appreciated the gift.  Many wondered what the envelope and card was for.  After six months, the king sent his legions throughout his kingdom to collect the coin from some of his subjects.  It was discussed among the citizenry why the king chose from some to collect the coin while others were allowed to keep theirs.  As conversation circulated, it was discovered those who used the blank card and envelope to write and send a thank you card to their king were allowed to keep their coin while those who did not, lost it.  A heart of gratitude made a temporary gift, permanent.  Believing in the benevolent nature of the king and expressing it by a note of gratitude was the key to making grace a permanent resident.

By expressing gratitude for mercy and forgiveness, we are expressing a heart of faith in the benevolence of God.  If, on the other hand, we seek forgiveness yet neglect an expression of gratitude, do we truly understand how permanent and wonderful divine forgiveness is?  By saying thank you, we possess that which was offered and make it permanent.  By simply accepting it without gratitude leaves open the possibility that the gift was not truly given and meant to be kept.  Saying thank you to God is our way of acknowledging not only what God has offered but also accepting it as a completed act of God.  This is so important and could be the key to overcoming stubborn sin.  Seeking forgiveness and being completely convinced one has attained it greatly reduces the likelihood of falling again.  We may fall, yes.  But thanking God for His wondrous grace for specific forgiveness makes it harder to fall again.  Perhaps the key to our stubborn sin is an expression of gratitude at the mercy of God!