Gratitude is a central aspect of many biblical teachings. This feeling of thankfulness is not only towards God, but also towards other people for their acts of kindness, love, and generosity. The Bible assists believers in better understanding the true meaning and significance of gratitude, how it benefits individual lives, and how to better express it.
What Does the Bible Teach about Gratitude?
In numerous contexts, the Bible encourages followers to pursue a life of gratitude. It states that gratitude is a heartfelt response that brings joy and peace, replacing sorrow and worry. Gratitude, in turn, triggers further feelings of happiness and contentment, creating a deepened sense of well-being. This sense of well-being further encourages followers to extend acts of kindness and generosity, thus suggesting a cyclical pattern influenced by gratitude.
Why is Gratitude Essential According to the Bible?
The Bible underscores the importance of gratitude for various reasons. Firstly, gratitude acknowledges God’s love, providence, and blessings, leading to a more intimate relationship with Him. It’s a spiritual practice that helps believers stay closely connected with divine love and abundance. Secondly, gratitude counters emotions like envy, greed, and selfishness, promoting the virtues of contentment, humility, and generosity. By fostering these virtues, gratitude makes followers more alike in spirit to their creator.
Who Should We Show Gratitude To?
The Bible encourages believers to express their gratitude to both God and their fellow humans. Followers are asked to offer thanksgiving to God for His providence and grace, for the blessings they receive, and for the strength to endure during trying times. However, gratitude is not limited to God. It also extends to people who show kindness, love, and generosity. The Bible instructs followers to appreciate these acts by expressing their sincere thankfulness, therefore promoting peace and unity.
When Should Gratitude Be Expressed According to the Bible?
The Bible goes beyond delineating occasions for expressing gratitude; it advocates gratitude as a constant part of daily life. Celebrations, blessings, and moments of joy are obvious instances where gratitude is shown, but the Bible also encourages remaining thankful during tribulations and trials. Hardships are seen as tests of faith and patience, through which gratitude aids in maintaining a hopeful and positive attitude.
How Does the Bible Guide Expressions of Gratitude?
Gratitude doesn’t necessarily have to be expressed through grand gestures or actions. The Bible instructs that a simple prayer of thanks, an act of kindness, or a word of appreciation can effectively convey this powerful emotion. By frequently thanking God through prayers, or by recognizing the actions of others with words of appreciation, the Bible’s followers can integrate gratitude into their lives. This creates a consistent reminder of God’s love and the kindness of others.
Below is our full list of bible verses on gratitude (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Gratitude
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 Thankfulness Attitude
Psalm 118:24
“24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
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 Thankfulness Dedication
Psalm 136:1
“1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
Related Themes: Thankfulness
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
Ephesians 1:16
“16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;”
Related Themes: Wisdom Thankfulness Eyes
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 Thankfulness
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:”
Related Themes: Reverence Gratefulness Reverence Worship
Colossians 3:15-20
“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.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.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.18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.”
Related Themes: Peace Attitude Frustration Thankfulness
Psalm 107:1
“1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Homelessness Testimony
Romans 8:28
“28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Related Themes: Suffering Frustration Sovereignty Complaining Life
Ephesians 5:20
“20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Complaining Negativity
Psalm 100:1-5
“1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.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.5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”
Related Themes: Singing Music Joy Thankfulness
Psalm 50:23
“23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.”
Related Themes: Attitude
Acts 24:3
“3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.”
1 Corinthians 15:10
“10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”
Related Themes: Grace Work Self Respect
Matthew 6:21
“21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Heart Generosity Lust
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: Gratefulness
Psalm 28:7
“7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”
Related Themes: Attitude Joy Strength Thankfulness
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.”
Psalm 118:28-29
“28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
John 11:41
“41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.”
Hebrews 13:15
“15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
Related Themes: Attitude Worship Pleasing God Sacrifice Music
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
Ephesians 1:16-18
“16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”
Related Themes: Wisdom Thankfulness Eyes
2 Corinthians 2:14
“14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”
Related Themes: Thankfulness Attitude Triumph Victory
Psalm 105:1
“1 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.”
Related Themes: Thankfulness
Psalm 103:1-5
“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:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Related Themes: Holiness Healing Guilt Restoration
Psalm 92:1
“1 A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:”
Related Themes: Creativity Music Singing
1 Timothy 2:1
“1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;”
