Topical Encyclopedia Ingratitude to God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often depicted as a failure to recognize and appreciate God's blessings, provision, and deliverance. This lack of thankfulness is portrayed as a serious spiritual shortcoming, leading to various consequences for individuals and nations.Old Testament Illustrations 1. Israel in the Wilderness: One of the most prominent examples of ingratitude is the behavior of the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, including the parting of the Red Sea and the provision of manna, the Israelites frequently complained and expressed dissatisfaction. In Numbers 14:11 , the LORD said to Moses, "How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?" 2. King Saul: Saul, the first king of Israel, is another example of ingratitude. Initially chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel, Saul's reign was marked by disobedience and a lack of appreciation for God's guidance. In 1 Samuel 15:22-23 , Samuel rebukes Saul, saying, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams." 3. Hezekiah's Pride: King Hezekiah experienced God's miraculous deliverance from the Assyrian army and healing from a terminal illness. However, he later fell into pride and failed to show gratitude. In 2 Chronicles 32:25 , it is recorded, "But because his heart was proud, Hezekiah did not repay the favor shown to him; therefore wrath came upon him and upon Judah and Jerusalem." New Testament Illustrations 1. The Ten Lepers: In the New Testament, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to thank Him. In Luke 17:17-18 , Jesus asks, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where then are the other nine? Was no one found except this foreigner to return and give glory to God?" This account highlights the rarity of true gratitude and the importance of acknowledging God's work in our lives. 2. The Rich Fool: Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21, illustrating a man who hoards his wealth without recognizing God's provision. The man plans to build larger barns to store his surplus grain, saying to himself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry!" (Luke 12:19). God calls him a fool, as his life is demanded of him that very night, showing the futility of ingratitude and self-reliance. 3. The Pharisees and Religious Leaders: Throughout the Gospels, the Pharisees and religious leaders often exhibit ingratitude by rejecting Jesus and His teachings. Despite witnessing His miracles and hearing His wisdom, they fail to recognize Him as the Messiah. In Matthew 23:37 , Jesus laments over Jerusalem, saying, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!" Consequences of Ingratitude The Bible consistently warns of the spiritual dangers associated with ingratitude. Romans 1:21 states, "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts." This passage underscores the link between ingratitude and spiritual decline, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a thankful heart toward God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 5:1-7Now will I sing to my well beloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My well beloved has a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 16:1-15 Library Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ... A Servant of Servants The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual ... Of the Eternal Election, by which God Has Predestinated Some to ... In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ... The Children and the Dogs Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ... The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings The King after Man's Heart The Sinner Arraigned and Convicted. Resources What were the quail mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about ingratitude/unthankfulness? | GotQuestions.org Where/how do you draw the line between helping someone and allowing someone to take advantage of you? | GotQuestions.org Ungrateful: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ingratitude to God: A Characteristic of the Wicked Ingratitude to God: Exceeding Folly of Ingratitude to God: Illustrated Ingratitude to God: Inexcusable Ingratitude to God: Nebuchadnezzar Ingratitude to God: Prosperity Likely to Produce Ingratitude to God: Punishment of Ingratitude to God: Unreasonable Ingratitude to God: Warnings Against Ingratitude: A Characteristic of the Wicked Ingratitude: David's Companions to David Ingratitude: Israelites to Gideon Ingratitude: Israelites to Moses Ingratitude: Jeremiah's Enemies Ingratitude: Men of Keilah to David Ingratitude: Often Exhibited by Relations Ingratitude: Often Exhibited by Servants Ingratitude: Often Exhibited: To Benefactors Ingratitude: Often Exhibited: To Friends in Distress Ingratitude: Pharaoh's Butler to Joseph Ingratitude: Saints should Avoid the Guilt of Ingratitude: should be Met With: Faithfulness Ingratitude: should be Met With: Persevering Love Ingratitude: should be Met With: Prayers Related Terms |
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