One wiseman said, “When you help someone, remember, he does not have the capacity to be grateful.” Righteous people who do good are forgotten. A powerful king besieged the city. A poor man saved the city with his wisdom. He was not remembered or recognized. (Ecclesiastes 9:15) The Lord Jesus Christ went about doing good. (Acts 10:38) An ungrateful nation crucified Him. Succeeding Pharaohs did not remember Joseph’s contribution. (Exodus 1:8)
Defeated politicians: Winston Churchill, who led Britain to victory in World War II, was voted out of power within months after the war. Many wicked and corrupt politicians are elected again and again, while those who do good are rejected by the people. Wicked leaders get statues and memorials, but good leaders are forgotten.
Not natural: Being grateful is not a natural trait for humans. The Psalmist David speaks to his own self or inner personality: Forget not all his benefits. (Psalm 103:2) Forgetfulness of the good benefits and life-enhancing benefits from others is common. One who saved a small girl from drowning in a swimming pool was not even thanked for it. Nine lepers did not think it was appropriate for them to come back to the Lord and thank him for the healing they received. (Luke 17:11-19)
Spiritual strength: To be grateful, there is a need for inner strength. Only humble people could be grateful. Humility is not normal, while pride seems to be normal. Many try to monetize timely help, calculate it as money, and reject the need to be grateful.
Attitude: Those who do not value the contributions of others are ungrateful. The caste hierarchies demand work for free from those who are at the lower rungs of the ladder. Ungrateful people receiving help think others are obligated to serve them, and they themselves are privileged to receive it.
Christian character: The Bible teaches all believers to be grateful. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18) This has to be cultivated as a spiritual discipline.
Am I a grateful person?