President Thomas S. Monson: 'The divine gift of gratitude'

The inspired messages of truth, hope and love delivered during general conference turned thoughts "to Him who atoned for our sins, who showed us the way to live and how to pray, and who demonstrated by His own actions the blessings of service — even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

So proclaimed President Thomas S. Monson in his conference address on Sunday morning.

The Church leader quoted from the 11th chapter of Luke, wherein is the account of the Savior healing ten men who had leprosy. They all rejoiced, yet only one "turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God." The grateful man fell down at the Savior's feet and thanked Him.

"'And Jesus answering said: 'Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?

"'There is not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

"And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole' (Luke 11:11-19).

"Through divine intervention, those who were lepers were spared from a cruel, lingering death and given a new lease on life," President Monson said. "The expressed gratitude by one merited the Master's blessing, the ingratitude shown by the nine His disappointment.

"My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love."

Quoting from the book of Matthew, President Monson spoke of the compassion the Savior had for the 4,000 people who followed and traveled with Him. Jesus blessed seven loaves and three fishes, and a miracle followed: "And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full" (see Matthew 15: 32-37).

President Monson observed, "We have all experienced times when our focus is on what we lack, rather than our blessings. Said the Greek philosopher Epictetus, 'He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.'

"Gratitude is a divine principle. The Lord declared, through a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, 'Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things….

"'And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things'" (Doctrine and Covenants 59:7, 21).

President Monson said that regardless of circumstances, each person has much for which to be grateful "if we will but pause and contemplate our blessings."