I Just Want to Say Thank You!

When Jesus was on a journey to Jerusalem he entered a village on the border of Samaria and Galilee and was met by ten lepers. At that time, leprosy was an incurable disease and people were extremely frightened of it. Those infected lived in social isolation and discrimination.

We now know that leprosy, that is, Hansen’s Disease, is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium lepromatosis and is treatable with antibiotics and can be cured if the treatment is followed. Let’s get back to the passage in Luke 17:11–19.

Photo - Howie R on Unsplash

Will you do us a favor?

The ten men asked Jesus for a favor. They asked Jesus for mercy. In other words, Lord, relieve our suffering. To be merciful, you must have compassion. They came to one whom they knew was compassionate and could extend mercy. So, their cry was, Lord of compassion, relieve our suffering.

For just a moment, let’s briefly step into their shoes with empathy. We don’t know how long they had been suffering. It could have been a few years or many. Have you ever experienced a serious physical illness that plagued you for months or years, or walked with someone you love who was terminally ill? It can take a toll on you. How did they deal with chronic pain and inflammation? How did they deal with looking at death in their bodies every day? Where could they get medicinal herbs/roots to treat the sores? How were they going to eat every day?

Consider the mental and emotional effects of waking up every day and living separated from your community. Forced to live in a tribe you did not choose. Every day, you endure the scornful glances and whispers of those holy ones who believe they know the sins that brought about your leprosy. You are ousted from temple worship. The very place where God whom you desperately needed manifested his presence. Suffering. Desperation.

So, when they saw Christ, they had no eloquent words. They simply asked him, would you do us a favor? Would you show us some kindness? Would you have compassion on us and relieve our suffering? And He did so for all ten men.

Interestingly, when the men realized they had been healed only one returned to Jesus to tell him thank you. One out of ten returned to say thank you; that man was a Samaritan. So, not only was this man an outcast because of leprosy but also an outsider to the Jewish community because he was a Samaritan. I wonder if he thought his ethnicity would keep Jesus from doing him this favor. But, he asked and Jesus granted the favor.

Now when the man returned and thanked Jesus, Christ’s response was, didn’t I do a favor for ten of you guys? And you, the one considered to be an outsider, are the one who took the time to come back and say thank you.

The Benefits of Feeling Appreciated

When people feel unappreciated, they may start to question their worth and value to the relationship. Yes, I know that our value and worth is in Christ but let us not forget we are in relationship with others and clearly this passage shows us that Jesus didn’t feel good about being unappreciated.

Appreciation fosters relationships and maintains healthy bonds and can boost your mental well-being. People are motivated to stay in the game and remain engaged when they feel like they belong and hold a special place in the lives of others be it family, work, or community.

Call to Action

I invite you to write a thank you note. Not a text. Not an email. Why? A handwritten note conveys care of the relationship and willingness to take time. The person knows that you took time to look for stationary, purchase a note card, to write, and to mail. While you are writing, you will begin to reflect on the act of kindness bestowed upon you, and your gratitude will be a written form of appreciation that can be enjoyed and reflected on whenever the recipient wants to.

Here are some potential recipients for your thank you note. You make it personal.

Inspirers — teachers, librarians, mentors/coaches, parents, friends, managers, role models

Supporters — counselors, spiritual guides/leaders, support groups, para-professionals, healthcare workers, volunteers, advocates, customers, people who refer your services to others, building custodians, bus drivers, military service members, and their spouses

While I’m at it, I want you to know that I appreciate YOU! Thank you for subscribing to, reading, commenting, and sharing my words with others. I don’t take your support for granted!

Always encouraging reflection,

WandaP