Ingratitude

Introduction

“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy” (2 Timothy 3:2).

It is said that Philip, King of Macedonia, caused a soldier of his, who had been extremely unkind to one who had kindly entertained him, to be branded in the forehead with these two words: “Hospes Ingrates,” meaning “an ungrateful guest.”

Can you imagine having that label on your forehead for everyone to read? In many ways, if we are dominated by ingratitude, that is what everyone is reading anyhow.

Much is being said in these days about those who will take the mark of the Beast and bear it “in their right hand, or in their foreheads” (Rev. 13:16). The Scriptures reveal that mark as a number, “Six hundred threescore and six” (Rev. 13:18), or 666. While many worry about this mysterious mark, which involves the future, we should be concerned about the terrible marks of ingratitude that may be visible in our lives today.

According to W. E. Vine, the word “unthankful” in the above text means “without gratitude.” It is only used one other time in the New Testament. While exhorting us to love our enemies, Jesus added, “… and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil” (Luke 6:35). It appears that to live without gratitude is to be marked with unkindness and unholiness.

I. The Repugnance of Ingratitude

In this setting, we learn of the repugnance of ingratitude! The sin of being “unthankful,” or “without gratitude,” is listed with some very ugly sins.

One of the Ten Commandments reads, “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Exo. 20:12). Another one reads, “Thou shalt not covet …” (Exo. 20:17).

Showing the magnitude of this sin, those who are without gratitude are placed in the same sphere as those who are “covetous” and “disobedient to parents.”

II. The Reason for Ingratitude

Also, in this setting, we learn of the reasons for ingratitude! It is interesting that the term is found among sins of selfishness.

A. Self-love

First, the sin of self-love is plainly described: “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous.”

B. Self-esteem

Then, the next two words definitely portray the sin of self-esteem: “boasters, proud.”

C. Self-rule

The other words, “blasphemers, disobedient to parents . . . unholy,” speak to us of the sin of self- rule.

D. Self-life

To say the least, there is no gratitude in the self-life!

III. The Remedy for Ingratitude

Thankfully, in this setting, we learn of the remedy for ingratitude! Although the cure is not stated directly, it is evident that only those who forsake self-love and genuinely love God (see v. 4) can know spiritual healing. Also, those who know the power of godliness, not just a pretentious form of godliness(see v. 5), will most likely become thankful. Of course, neither of these is possible unless we submit to and live in the light of divine truth (see vs. 7, 8).

Oh, may God save us from ourselves