I forgot to include the following in my post about thank you notes...
I have recently had two different conversations with different people about sending thank you notes. One person pointed out, in defense of sending thank you notes, that when Jesus healed the 10 lepers in Luke 17 He was displeased that only one came back to thank Him. It is interesting, though, the reason that Jesus gives for His displeasure. He says, "Was no one found who turned back to give glory to God, except this foreigner?" In an earlier verse the man who returned did so "glorifying God with a loud voice." As well he "[gave] thanks to Him." It is interesting that Jesus, when He expresses His displeasure, only mentions the fact that His Father wasn't given the glory. Jesus, the Son of God, was so humble that He even gave up His right to be equated with God and completely emptied Himself of all privileges of deity - Philippians 2:6,7. How much more should we take on an attitude of utter humility so that God might receive all glory?
In the other conversation someone, balking at the "socially required" sending of thank you notes, made a good point. She said that someone might receive a gift by which they are overwhelmed with gratitude. Further they might cry, and hug the giver while gushing obvious and sincere gratitude. However, if they don't then send a formal thank you note, they are thought ungrateful. This point really does appropriately point a finger at the giver. To expect a double expression of gratitude seems doubly prideful. And, really, which expression is more satisfying anyway - the former of true, deep instinctual gratitude or the dutiful note sent as a social formality?
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3 comments:
we'll amen this, since few may. gratitude exists in the heart, not on paper. words can rarely express true feelings. :)
Ignoring the thoughtfulness of others who may have sacrificed to be able to be used by God to bless you is not a way to praise God. Yes, words may be inadequate, but they do provide a window to the heart, and an opportunity for the giver to praise God, knowing that the recipient was indeed blessed. It is good to do your giving in secret, without the praise of others, but when that is not possible, a truly grateful person will thank both God and the person He used to bring His blessing. If no expression of gratitude is received, it is possible that the giver thinks you were not truly blessed by the gift, and then cannot adequately know they were used by God. Of course, when no earthly gratitude is expressed, it is far better to hear, "Well done" from the Lord, as the gift is not given for the purpose of receiving thanks or praise, but to bring some kind of blessing to the recipient that then compels them to glorify God.
But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.--Luke 6:35
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