A Grateful Heart [Habits of a Healthy Heart] — Pastor Jason Burns

Gratitude is not just a feeling—it's an action, a habit that shapes the very core of who we are and how we relate to God and others. As we move through this season, it's easy to focus on the external: our goals, our frustrations, the little things that get under our skin. But what if we shifted our attention to the internal, to the state of our hearts? Proverbs 4 reminds us to guard our hearts above all else, because everything we do flows from it. The health of our heart is determined by the habits we cultivate, and one of the most transformative is the habit of expressed gratitude.

We all know what it feels like to give generously and not receive acknowledgment. That gap, that unexpressed gratitude, is experienced as ingratitude. The same is true in our relationship with God. He has poured out blessings, grace, and mercy on us, and yet how often do we pause to truly express our thanks? The story of the ten lepers in Luke 17 illustrates this powerfully. Ten were healed, but only one—a Samaritan, an outsider—returned to thank Jesus. His gratitude was not just a feeling; it was a bold, public expression. And Jesus noticed.

This story challenges us to examine our own lives. Are we too busy, too self-focused, or too entitled to return and give thanks? Do we settle for feeling grateful without expressing it? True gratitude is only complete when it is expressed. God notices a grateful heart, and it draws us closer to Him and to others.

To cultivate this habit, we must stop looking for the weeds—the irritations and disappointments—and start noticing the beauty and blessings all around us. Our perspective shapes our reality. When we remember the gifts of God, even in difficult circumstances, we find reasons to rejoice. Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians urge us to give thanks in all circumstances, not just when life is easy. Gratitude, when expressed, becomes worship. It’s not about feeling thankful; it’s about declaring our thanks to God and to those around us.

Let us be people who don’t just feel gratitude but express it—who return to Jesus again and again, not just for what He’s done, but because our hearts overflow with thankfulness. May we be known as the one who comes back, not the nine who walk away.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Expressed gratitude closes relational gaps Unexpressed gratitude is experienced as ingratitude, both in our relationships with others and with God. When we take the time and courage to express our thanks, we bridge the gap that can otherwise grow between us. This act of acknowledgment is not just polite—it’s spiritually significant, reflecting the heart of God and deepening our connections. [09:09]
• 2. Obedience often precedes the miracle The ten lepers were healed “as they went”—as they obeyed Jesus’ instruction, not before. Faith is not just believing; it’s acting on what God has already told us to do, even when it’s uncomfortable or doesn’t make sense. Many times, the breakthrough we seek is waiting on the other side of simple obedience. [19:23]
• 3. Perspective determines gratitude or grumbling We will always find what we’re looking for. If we focus on the weeds—the frustrations and disappointments—we miss the beauty and blessings God has placed around us. Sadness and gratitude cannot share the same heart; choosing to look for reasons to be grateful transforms our outlook and our lives. [29:18]
• 4. Gratitude to God is an act of worship Gratitude is not just an emotion but an act of worship when expressed to God. Giving thanks in all circumstances, as Paul instructs, shifts our focus from what we lack to the sufficiency of Christ. This kind of gratitude is a spiritual discipline that shapes our hearts and honors God above all else. [31:39]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:00] - Celebrating Growth and Community
• [02:23] - Habits of a Healthy Heart Series
• [05:44] - Everyday Frustrations and Generosity
• [09:09] - The Power of Expressed Gratitude
• [12:31] - Jesus and the Ten Lepers
• [15:59] - Pain, Exclusion, and Crying Out
• [19:23] - Obedience and the Miracle
• [22:58] - The Samaritan’s Return and True Healing
• [25:54] - Why Expressing Gratitude Matters
• [27:30] - Stop Looking for Weeds
• [29:18] - Perspective and the Blessings of Work
• [30:30] - Remembering God’s Gifts
• [31:39] - Gratitude as Worship
• [33:00] - Communion and Responding to God

Bible Reading

Luke 17:11-19 (ESV) — > On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”

Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) — > Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) — > Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Observation Questions

1. In the story of the ten lepers, what did Jesus tell the men to do before they were healed? What happened as they obeyed? ([19:23])
2. According to Proverbs 4:23, why is it important to guard our hearts?
3. How many of the ten lepers returned to thank Jesus, and what was unique about the one who did? ([22:58])
4. What does Paul instruct believers to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, and does he put any conditions on when to give thanks?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says, “Unexpressed gratitude is experienced as ingratitude.” Why do you think expressing gratitude is so important in relationships, both with people and with God? ([09:09])
2. The lepers were healed “as they went”—as they obeyed Jesus’ instruction. What does this suggest about the relationship between obedience and experiencing God’s work in our lives? ([19:23])
3. Only one leper returned to thank Jesus, and he was a Samaritan. What might this detail teach us about who is most likely to express gratitude, and why? ([22:58])
4. The sermon mentions that “sadness and gratitude refuse to share the same heart.” How does our perspective influence whether we are grateful or grumbling? ([29:18])

Application Questions

1. Think about a time when someone did something generous or kind for you, but you didn’t express your gratitude. How might that have affected your relationship? Is there someone you need to thank this week? ([09:09])
2. The lepers had to obey Jesus’ command before they saw the miracle. Is there something God has already told you to do that you’ve been putting off? What step of obedience could you take this week, even if it feels uncomfortable? ([19:23])
3. The sermon challenges us to “stop looking for weeds” and start noticing the blessings around us. What are some “weeds” (irritations or disappointments) you tend to focus on? How can you intentionally shift your focus to the beauty and blessings in your life? ([29:18])
4. Paul says to “give thanks in all circumstances.” What is one difficult circumstance you’re facing right now? How could you practice gratitude in the middle of it? ([31:39])
5. The story of the ten lepers shows that feeling thankful isn’t enough—gratitude must be expressed. What are some practical ways you can express gratitude to God and to others this week? ([25:54])
6. The sermon says, “Gratitude to God is worship.” How can you make gratitude a regular part of your worship, not just something you feel but something you declare? ([31:39])
7. The one leper who returned was an outsider, a Samaritan. Are there ways you’ve felt like an outsider, and how has that affected your gratitude? How can you use your story to encourage others to return to Jesus with thanks? ([22:58])