Robert D. Hales on appreciation for the service of others

Elder Robert D. Hales (b. August 24, 1932) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"Gratitude is a state of appreciation, an act of thanksgiving, which causes us to be humble because we recognize an act of kindness, service, or caring from someone else which lifts us and strengthens us.

"Ingratitude is the attitude of being unaware or not recognizing when someone has assisted us or helped us or, even worse, when we know we have been helped and have not given thanks privately or publicly.

"In some quiet way, the expression and feelings of gratitude have a wonderful cleansing or healing nature. Gratitude brings warmth to the giver and the receiver alike."

- Robert D. Hales, "Gratitude for the Goodness of God," Ensign, May 1992, p. 63
Click here to read the full talk

I like Elder Hales' insight about the link between gratitude and humility. When we are truly grateful, we become humble in acknowledging the gifts of service, kindness, or caring from others. Ingratitude is not acknowledging help from others, because of being unaware or deliberately choosing not to acknowledge—signs of lack of humility.

And the blessing is the benefit that comes from both feeling and expressing gratitude—the "cleansing or healing" that can result.