3 Sermon Illustrations on Ingratitude

3 illustrations

Ingratitude in Christian preaching highlights the moral failing of failing to acknowledge God's blessings or human kindness, often likened to betrayal or spiritual blindness. Scriptural warnings emphasize its destructive nature and the insatiable demands of the ungrateful heart (Romans 1:21; Proverbs 17:13). Illustrations frequently use images of thanklessness as a breach of relationship and a source of sorrow.

Ingratitude, Base

Kindness can be met with betrayal, showing the depth of human ingratitude.

At the battle of the Alma, in September, 1854, a wounded Russian was calling piteously for water. Capt. Eddington, whose heart was kind and charitable, ran up to him, and, stooping, gave him the much-desired beverage. The wounded man revived. The captain ran forward to join his regiment; when the wretch, who had just been restored by his kindness, fired, and shot him who had been his friend in the time of need. Biblical Treasury.

Ingratitude, Insatiable of

Ungrateful people are never satisfied, always demanding more despite receiving much.

The only voice of ingratitude is, "Give, give!" But when the gift is once received, then, like the swine at his trough, it is silent and insatiable. In a word, the ungrateful person is a monster which is all throat and belly, — a kind of thoroughfare or common sewer for the good things of the world to pass into; and of whom, in respect of all kindnesses conferred on him, may be verified that observation of the lion's den, before which appeared the footsteps of many that had gone in thither, but no prints of any that ever came out thence. Dr. South.

Ingratitude, Proverbs

Proverbs illustrate the natural danger and detestableness of ungrateful people.

Put a snake in your bosom, and, when it is warm, it will sting you. Eaten bread is soon forgotten. — English. — Bring up a raven, and it will peck out your eyes. — Spanish. — A favor to come is better than a hundred received. — Italian. — Eat the present, and break the dish. — Arabic. — The ass, after having drunk, gives a kick to the bucket. — Italian. — Nothing more detestable does the earth produce than an ungrateful man. Ausonius.