According to WORLD Magazine (July 9, 2016, p. 12), Citigroup filed a lawsuit against AT&T over its use of the words “AT&T Thanks” in its customer loyalty program. Citigroup filed a trademark, “Citi Thanks You” in 2004, and said that AT&T’s use of the word “Thanks” violated its trademark. Last word from AT&T was that it would fight the lawsuit, saying that Citigroup can’t “own the word thanks.”

I don’t know the ins and outs of this legal battle, but I do know that  anything that keeps people from showing appreciation is not good. Many businesses and employees already have a hard time saying thanks. One of the fast-food chicken restaurants has a very firm policy of its employees saying thanks, and responding to any customer with “It was my pleasure.” But for many, it seems the employees don’t like to be inconvenienced by having to serve the customers.

Jesus was the Master of giving thanks. After His resurrection, He appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, but “their eyes were holden that they should not know him.” Even as Jesus explained to Cleopas and his companion the significance of the recent events of His crucifixion and resurrection, they still did not recognize Him. But “as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him” (Luke 24: 16, 30-31). It was when He prayed and gave thanks that they knew who He was.

Jesus always thanked the Father for hearing Him and revealing truth through Him (Matthew 11:25; John 11:41). Jesus also showed that service and kindness to others would mark His followers, even if they did not receive the proper words of thanks.

For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful (Luke 6:32-36).

I have no choice but to be merciful and thankful. I belong to Him!