Appreciation is a fundamental biblical theme that encourages acknowledging and giving thanks for the goodness that we receive from others and from God. The Bible abounds with verses that emphasize gratitude and appreciation, providing guidance on how to express it both to God and fellow human beings.
What Does the Bible Say About Expressing Appreciation to Others?
The Bible places high significance on showing appreciation to others. It inspires individuals to be kind, understanding and to nurture an attitude of gratitude towards their fellow beings. The Bible encourages expressing appreciation and honor to those who deserve it, reminding us that such acts nurture stronger relationships. Love, kindness and respect are named as ideal ways of expressing this sentiment. The Bible also underscores honesty, sincerity, and generosity in our appreciation of others.
Who Does the Bible Encourage Us To Appreciate
The Bible constantly encourages us to appreciate and express gratitude to specific categories of individuals. This list includes parents, teachers or mentors, elders, leaders, and anyone who does good deeds. The Bible reminds us to honor our fathers and mothers, appreciate those who teach and guide us, respect the elderly, and recognize the leadership of those in authority. Kindness should be shown to all, but a special appreciation should be given to those who play significant roles in our lives.
Why is the Expression of Gratitude to God Important?
The Bible teaches us to express gratitude to God as a way of acknowledging His goodness. It encourages us to thank Him in all circumstances, recognizing that everything we have comes from Him. Expressing appreciation to God fosters a stronger relationship with Him, deepens our faith, and facilitates spiritual growth. The Bible advises that gratitude expressed through prayer, worship, and demonstration of love glorifies God and aligns us with His divine will.
When Should We Express Appreciation According to the Bible?
The Bible suggests that expressions of appreciation should not be limited to specific occasions or circumstances. Appreciation is meant to be expressed continually, under all circumstances, whether they are favorable or challenging. Our expressions of gratitude to God should not be restricted to times of abundance and prosperity but should also be voiced in times of lack and adversity. Equally, our appreciation for the individuals around us should be consistent and persistent, regardless of what life presents.
Where in the Bible Does Appreciation Emerge as a Major Theme?
Throughout the Bible, a number of books strongly emphasize the theme of appreciation. Psalms, for instance, is filled with verses of praise and thanksgiving to God for His mercy, grace, and provision. Likewise, in the New Testament, several epistles of Paul such as Thessalonians and Philippians encourage the followers to constantly rejoice and give thanks. Moreover, the theme of appreciation also resonates in the teachings of Jesus, as seen in the Gospels where Jesus models how to sincerely appreciate God and people. Thus, appreciation is a pervasive and recurring theme spanning both the Old and New Testaments.
Below is our full list of bible verses on appreciation (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Appreciation
Ruth 2:12
“12 The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Gratitude
Colossians 3:16
“16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Hebrews 13:5
“5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
Related Themes: Money Loneliness Finances Complaining Greed
1 Thessalonians 1:2
“2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Gratitude
Numbers 6:24-26
“24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
Related Themes: Birthday Saying Goodbye Peace Health Children
1 Timothy 5:17
“17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”
Related Themes: Reverence Respecting Your Parents Honor Leadership
James 5:13
“13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”
Related Themes: Music Singing Sadness Prayer Hopelessness
2 Samuel 2:6
“6 And now the LORD shew kindness and truth unto you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because ye have done this thing.”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Kindness
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Related Themes: Complaining Frustration Gratitude Thankfulness Attitude
Jeremiah 3:15
“15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
Related Themes: Pastor
Hebrews 13:17
“17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Discernment Reverence Manipulation Leadership
1 Corinthians 1:4
“4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Prayer Gratitude
Colossians 3:17
“17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Related Themes: Business Attitude Gratitude Thankfulness Dedication
2 Timothy 2:15
“15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Education Learning Morals Morality
Colossians 3:15
“15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
Related Themes: Peace Attitude Frustration Gratitude Thankfulness
2 Timothy 4:2
“2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
Related Themes: Patience Arguing Discernment Attitude Rebuking
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”
Related Themes: Criticism Friendship Dating Learning Education
Psalm 100:4
“4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Worship Gratitude
Hebrews 13:7
“7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”
Related Themes: Respect Leadership Reverence Mentoring
2 Corinthians 9:10-11
“10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”
Related Themes: Reaping Reaping What You Sow Money Food
Luke 12:42-46
“42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.”
Related Themes: Stewardship Morals Faithfulness
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
“12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Reverence Respect Respecting Your Parents Reverence
John 15:13
“13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Related Themes: Love Friendship Homelessness Life Strangers
Philippians 1:3
“3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Friendship Birthday Remembrance
Romans 1:8
“8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.”
Related Themes: Thankfulness
1 Chronicles 16:34
“34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Attitude Gratitude Love
Ephesians 4:25
“25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Gossip Bitterness Lying Morality
Psalm 69:30
“30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Pleasing God Attitude Praise Gratitude
Psalm 37:23
“23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”
Related Themes: Direction Business Guidance Direction Guidance
Ruth 1:8
“8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Gratitude
