On Varieties of Gratitude – Sunday, November 18, 1945
If we may quote Cicero, we may say that “gratitude is not only the greatest of the virtues, but the parent of all the others.”1 But whether or not it be the greatest of the virtues, gratitude is highly becoming to all. Perhaps not everyone who voices gratitude is actually grateful; likewise, perhaps not everyone who fails to speak his gratitude is actually ungrateful. But to be valid, it would almost seem that gratitude must find some form of expression, by word or by act or by attitude. Of course, there are many degrees and varieties of gratitude. For example, it was once stated, and has often since been quoted, that “gratitude is a lively sense of favors to come.”2 But that gratitude which is prompted chiefly by the anticipation of further favors, is, in a sense, not gratitude at all, but merely a polite suggestion of a continuing expectancy. Most of us are grateful for one favor or one gift; but frequently a gift or a favor that repeats itself becomes a cause for complaint if it fails to be renewed. Indeed, there are those who become so accustomed to favors, that they demand as their irrevocable right that for which they were once sincerely grateful—all of which suggests the wisdom of proceeding with discretion, lest that which was a favor to begin with comes to be looked upon as a vested right. The gratitude of a friend for whom some service has been done is among the richest of payments. But an ungrateful friend is a sore disillusionment. Likewise, there is no effort too difficult, no sacrifice too great for a parent to make for a child—if the child is grateful. But an ungrateful child is a sorrow and a disappointment. And it would be a grave oversight if we did not show something of our gratitude to the Father of us all in whose image we were created, for, despite much confusion in the world, despite anxiety and apprehension, despite all the circumstances that sometimes make life difficult and discouraging, we have more cause for gratitude than anyone can voice, more than all men in all their days can be duly grateful for. And where the suggestion fits, it may be well for some of us to show our gratitude for the privilege of life by getting down to work, and down to sane, and reasonable, and earnest living. “And in as much as ye do these things with thanksgiving …. the fullness of the earth is yours…. And in nothing doth man offend God … save those who confess not his hand in all things and obey not his commandments …. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”3 Great indeed among the virtues is gratitude.
1(Pro Plancio, 54 B.C.)
2(Doc & Cov. 59:15, 16, 21.)
3(Proverbs 3:6)
“The Spoken Word,” heard over Radio Station K S L and the nationwide Columbia Broadcasting System, from the Tabernacle, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Sunday, Nov. 18, 1945. Copyright 1945.
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November 18, 1945
Broadcast Number 0,848