RETRIBUTION GRATITUDE

In the vast and sophisticated world, a paradox emerges, revealing the complex nature of humanity.  It is a paradox that unveils the tendency of people to pursue retribution against those who have caused them harm, while simultaneously neglecting to express gratitude towards those who have extended their helping hand.

 

Expressing appreciation is the heartfelt gratitude and praise of the psalmist towards God, acknowledging HIS righteous acts and proclaiming HIS name, (Psalm 9:1).  The act of gratitude not only strengthens the bond between humans and the Divine, it gives us a sense of humility and appreciation for the many blessings God has bestowed upon us.  In (Matthew 14:19) recounts the miraculous feeding of people by Jesus. It describes HIM blessing the food by looking up to Heaven and showing gratitude, before having it distributed to the crowd.  Divinely, everyone present is not only satisfied but also left with an abundance of food.  This illustrates HIS Divine power and compassion, as well as HIS ability to provide for the needs of HIS followers.

 

Through God, we have the ability to multiply our resources and meet our own needs, even in seemingly impossible circumstances.

 

We must not harbor a desire to seek retribution, consuming valuable time and energy, while overlooking the importance to reciprocate kindness and gratitude.  This concept can be found in the depths of Scripture and its Divine wisdom.

 

Psalm 9:1
New International Version
Psalm 9
For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David.

1 “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

Psalm 9:1
King James Version

9 “I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.”

Psalm 9:1
Living Bible

9 “O Lord, I will praise you with all my heart and tell everyone about the marvelous things you do.”

 

Matthew 14:19
New International Version

19 “And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.”

Matthew 14:19
King James Version

19 “And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.”

Matthew 14:19
Living Bible

19 “Then he told the people to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and two fish, looked up into the sky, and asked God’s blessing on the meal, then broke the loaves apart and gave them to the disciples to place before the people.”