Ingratitude

Gratitude is a virtue. Its direct opposite is therefore a vice. Ingratitude is the vice which stands opposed to the virtue of gratitude.

The vice of ingratitude finds expression in sins ofingratitude. Acts or sins of ingratitude are of three types: (a)failure to return a favor received; (b) failure to express thanks for a favor; (c) failure to notice that one has received a favor atall. These types of ungratefulacts are degrees, andare rated, in the order given, as bad, worse, and worst of all.

Conscious ingratitude is always a sin, mortal orvenial, according to the nature of the ungrateful act and the conditions of its doing. When ingratitude is complete, it is combined with contempt for the duty and obligation imposed by gratitude, and this can make it a mortal sin. Usually, however,human ingratitude is a matter of negligence or carelessness.

We are not to refuse a favor to a person who has proved himself ungrateful. For we are the children of God, who does not cease to shower his gifts on sinners who offend him. We are meant to imitate God.