8 July 2026

When Jesus healed the ten lepers, only one of them returned to express his gratitude. There were two surprises. Firstly, only a tenth of those who were healed exercised the discipline of gratitude.

Secondly, the leper who had been taught since childhood to say, ‘Thank you!’ was a Samaritan, a foreigner. This was unexpected. Those who ought to have expressed gratitude failed to do so.

I had a mother who insisted on us writing thank-you letters to distant relatives and nearby neighbours for gifts given. In addition, she  took us to church after Sunday School picnics and parties to say thank-you to God despite being  the only children in the kirk doing this!

The discipline is ingrained within me – and I am glad of it. I do not find it burdensome to write letters of thanks and now I know that there is much medical evidence to support the practice.

Practicing gratitude fundamentally alters the brain and the body. It releases feel-good transmitters and reduces stress. This leads to better sleep, better mental health,  better immunity, better heart function.

Of course, my mother was right to extend the discipline of gratitude to God and the greater discipline of church attendance. Our worship is supremely an act of gratitude for what God has done for us in the life, death and resurrection of Christ.