When thinking about “magic” words that “work wonders,” I can’t help, but think about the simple phrase, “Thank you.” These two little words are used “to express gratitude, appreciation, or the acknowledgement of something.” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary) We say them many times a day, but do we mean them?
Showing gratitude or saying “thank you” can have such a big impact on others. It can brighten someone’s day. It can make a lasting impression and be a determining factor towards getting that desired job. It can mean better service when dining out. We want the other person to know we appreciate what they’ve done for us and, maybe, encourage them to help us again in the future. But not only does saying “thank you” help others, it also has an effect on us. Being grateful can improve our physical health, help us cope when times get tough, and can strengthen social relationships.
Jesus taught the importance of saying “thank you.” In Luke 17:11-17, we read of where Jesus entered a certain village and was met by ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off. They lifted up their voices, calling unto Him, “Master, have mercy on us.” When He saw them, He told them to “go show yourselves unto the priests.” And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at Jesus feet, giving him thanks, and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, ‘Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?” I believe this to be one of the saddest questions in God’s Word. Only one out of ten, returned to say “thank you” for the incredible gift of life.
Paul assured the church at Ephesus that he “gave thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20) In I Thessalonians 5:17-18a, Paul encouraged them to “pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks. . .” and to the church in Colossae, he said, “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)
Yes, “thank you” truly are “magic words,” for they can melt hearts of stone – they make the hearer feel valued. The world is a nicer place when “thank you” is said. They are words that express our gratitude to each other and to our God. Thank you, Lord, for we are truly “simply blessed.” Amen. Courtney