Gratefulness is a profoundly important concept in the Bible. It underpins numerous teachings and parables, offering followers a path to a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God. The Bible encourages followers to express gratitude in all situations, good or bad, as a way to remain in God’s favor and build an enduring faith.
What is the Biblical Principle of Gratefulness?
The Bible presents gratefulness as a means of acknowledging God’s benevolent acts and showing appreciation for his unending grace. It emphasizes the need for believers to express thanksgiving in every circumstance, regardless of whether they are facing triumphs or trials. In doing so, the Bible teaches that gratefulness can bring about profound spiritual growth and refinement. This principle encourages followers to show reverence, humility, and faith, thereby deepening their connection with God and reinforcing Christian virtues such as kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
Why Does Gratefulness Matter in the Bible?
Gratefulness in the Bible is of great concern because it reflects a believer’s recognition and acceptance of God’s divine intervention in their lives. This admission is essential for cultivating a vibrant and resilient faith. It reminds believers of their reliance on God’s grace and mercy, discouraging pride and self-focus. The Bible positions gratefulness as a powerful antidote to discontentment and self-pity, asserting that a gratitude-filled heart can foster contentment, peace, and joy even in the midst of adversity.
Who Demonstrates Gratefulness in the Bible?
Many biblical figures modelled the principle of gratefulness in their relationship with God. For example, David, the second king of Israel, is often credited for his heart of gratitude, regularly praising God for his protection, guidance, and unceasing love. Other notable figures include Paul the Apostle who, through his letters, beseeched early Christians to be continually thankful. Jesus Christ himself exemplified a life steeped in gratitude, regularly displaying appreciativeness in prayer and emphasizing its importance through parables and sermons.
When Should Gratitude be Expressed According to the Bible?
The Bible teaches that gratitude should be expressed continuously, irrespective of our circumstances. This means showing appreciation in times of prosperity as a reminder of God’s provision, and also in times of adversity as a testament of faith. Followers are admonished to demonstrate gratitude in their prayers, actions, and attitude as a way to participate in God’s divine presence and reality. This ongoing practice serves as a spiritual exercise to train the heart in enduring faith, resilience, and love.
Where Does the Bible Speak About Gratefulness?
Gratefulness threads its way throughout both the Old and the New Testaments of the Bible. In the Old Testament, gratefulness can be seen in the songs of thanksgiving and the praise-filled psalms. In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the letters of the Apostles continue this theme of gratitude, emphasizing its importance in Christian living. The Bible’s teachings on gratefulness are not confined to any singular book or passage but are woven seamlessly into its overarching narrative of God’s love, mercy, and providence.
Below is the full list of bible verses on gratefulness (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Gratefulness
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
Hebrews 12:28
“28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:”
Psalm 100:3-4
“3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
Related Themes: Identity
Deuteronomy 26:11
“11 And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you.”
Jeremiah 31:3
“3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”
Related Themes: Love Arguing Self-Esteem Self Respect
Acts 17:28
“28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.”
Related Themes: Omnipresence Creation Life Personality
Psalm 103:1-2
“1 A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:”
Related Themes: Holiness Healing Guilt Restoration
Isaiah 63:7
“7 I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Related Themes: Patience Prayer Loneliness Nervousness Worry
Psalm 126:3
“3 The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19
“17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”
Related Themes: Money Pride Money Homelessness Hope
Luke 17:11-19
“11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.”
Related Themes: Gratitude
Galatians 6:1
“1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
Related Themes: Criticism Trespassing Reaping Pride Judging Others
Psalm 75:1
“1 To the chief Musician, Altaschith, A Psalm or Song of Asaph. Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.”
Related Themes: Music Thankfulness
Galatians 2:20
“20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Isaiah 9:6
“6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Peace Earth Omnipresence Reputation
John 8:12
“12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Related Themes: Life Light Earth Reputation New Life
John 14:6
“6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Life Truth Homelessness Reputation
Matthew 11:29
“29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
1 John 5:5-13
“5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”
Related Themes: Faith
1 Corinthians 4:7
“7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”
Isaiah 57:15
“15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
Related Themes: Holiness Humility Omnipotence Omnipresence Revival
James 1:17
“17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
Related Themes: Birthday Complaining Children Finances Gratitude
Romans 1:16
“16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Lust Fidelity Loyalty Gospel
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
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
James 1:13
“13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“16 Rejoice evermore.17 Pray without ceasing.18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Related Themes: Complaining Attitude Joy Thankfulness
Philippians 2:5-11
“5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
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
