General Conference Blog: "The Divine Gift of Gratitude"

In the October 2010 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the end of the Sunday Morning Session, President Thomas S. Monson gave a talk entitled "The Divine Gift of Gratitude." He began with several funny statements. These statements appealed to pathos through humor. When people laugh, they tend to relax and become more receptive to what someone has to say. At the very least, they begin to listen.

President Monson then switches to a far more serious story that appeals to ethos. His story is about one of his numerous visits to widows. As the Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Thomas S. Monson already has much credibility. Especially as many of his listeners are members of the Church. This story, however, reminds us of President Monson's compassion and humility even in his position of power and authority. This appeals to us because we will not be led astray by arrogance.

Nearly all of the scriptural stories that President Monson shares are familiar to Latter-Day Saints. He includes the Parable of the Ten Lepers, a parable we commonly associate with gratitude. Then, however, he also includes one of the instances where Jesus feeds a multitude. We generally see this instance as an illustration of the Lord's ability to perform miracles- and it is. But President Monson also highlights a portion we often overlook. He notes that the Savior gave thanks before the miracle occurred. This illustration is particularly apt because it adds a new dimension to a story we already know, targeting our logos.

I love this line in President Monson's talk: "If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues." I also love the line, but to live with gratitude ever within our hearts is to touch heaven."

President Monson ends his talk by speaking of the Savior and His atonement. This is very appropriate because the Savior and the atonement are integral, perhaps the most integral, doctrines of the Gospel. President Monson affects our emotions when he inspires us to live like the Savior as an act of gratitude towards the Savior.