Gratitude practices, such as starting your day by writing 3 things you're thankful for, are widely accepted and scientifically proven to impact our lives for the better. From increasing our immunity, mental health, optimism, relationships and so much much more. Keep reading to learn more about Bible verses on thankfulness, Bible verses on gratitude, and how to incorporate thanksgiving into every area of your life.
What Does the Bible Say About Thankfulness?
Science proves that thankfulness is beneficial to our lives, but what does the Bible have to say about thankfulness? In this blog, we’ll show you Bible verses about thankfulness and gratitude! Practicing gratitude is actually a Biblical principle. Bible passages about being thankful can be found all throughout scripture. Giving thanks is rooted in God’s Word, as we’ll read in several Bible passages about being thankful. By reading thankfulness Bible verses, we can apply these truths in our daily lives. See below all of our Bible verses about thankfulness to others, being thankful, and practicing gratitude:
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. – Proverbs 15:30 (ESV)
Most Bible verses about thankfulness to others remind us of the fruit of being kind in every circumstance, no matter what we’re going through. This Bible verse for thankfulness is found in the book of Proverbs. You can think of the book of Proverbs like a collection of practical wisdom for everyday life!
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5:20
This Bible passage about being thankful comes from the book of Ephesians. The author of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul, was writing this Bible verse for thankfulness to encourage believers to give gratitude to God, even in the midst of persecution and opposition. As we can see, the scriptures are full of Bible passages about being thankful. Followers of God were expressing gratitude during the highest moments of their lives and the lowest moments, in both the Old and New Testaments. Their faith has set an example for us to follow as we navigate all of the ups and downs in our lives.
Why is Being Thankful to God Important?
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. — Psalm 28:7
This Bible verse about thankfulness and gratitude is an encouragement to the soul. God is often referred to in the scriptures as a strength and shield. This is a reminder that even if the going gets tough, God will fight for us and protect us.
Bible verses about thankfulness and gratitude show us that when we praise God and appreciate what He’s done for us, our hearts fill with joy. Spend time reflecting on your life and how God is writing your faith story. He has rescued you from sin and death. He has given you strength and He is guiding and protecting you. When we thank and praise God for Who He is, we are reminded of how good He has been to us.
Scriptures About Being Thankful for Who God is
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34
This Bible verse for thankfulness is more than a scripture, it’s even a song! In 2 Chronicles 20, God commands worshippers to go first into battle and this Bible verses on gratitude is a piece of the song that the worshippers sang!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. – Psalm 136:1-3
This Bible verse about thankfulness and gratitude comes from Psalm 136. Psalm 136 is unique because it’s one of the longer psalms. It’s also unique because after every phrase, we read the words: “His love endures forever”.
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! – 2 Corinthians 9:15
This Bible verse on thankfulness was written by the Apostle Paul when he was encouraging the church in Corinth to give to fellow believers in Jerusalem who were experiencing famine at the time. As they were encouraged to give, they were also encouraged to give thanks!
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. – Colossians 2:6-7
Can you imagine overflowing with thankfulness? When we thank God for who He is, this happens naturally. This Bible verse about thankfulness and gratitude is a profound reminder that when we look to Jesus, we begin to live like Jesus, and then we overflow with thanksgiving!
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. – James 1:17
Can you believe it? Every good and perfect gift comes down from God, our Heavenly Father! There are endless reasons to give thanks! This Bible verse on thankfulness and gratitude reminds us to remember the good things in our life and remember that they come from God, our Father.
Reminding our hearts and our minds about the truth of who God is, whether our circumstances are ‘good’ or not, is so important! In these verses, we see men and women of God reminding themselves and each other who God is.
God is good. He is our strength and shield. God is loving and generous.
Remembering characteristics of God through these Bible verses help us to be thankful for who He is. As we do so, we will experience His transformation!
…be transformed by the renewing of your mind.- Romans 12:2
Bible Verses About Thankfulness in Hard Times
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:1-6
Psalm 23 is one of the most well known Psalms in the Bible. This Bible verse on thankfulness and gratitude reminds us that even in difficult times, God is with us, for us, and promises His goodness and love to follow us.
Read more about finding calm in tough times: How to Have Joy & Peace in Difficult Times
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:57
This Bible verse on thankfulness encourages us to remember that we have victory through Jesus Christ! Each time we pray, our prayers reach the ears of God. Hallelujah!
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
This Bible verse on thankfulness and gratitude comes from the book of Philippians. The Apostle Paul wrote this Bible verse during a very difficult time in prison. Even in the midst of unthinkable circumstances, this Bible verse on thanksgiving and gratitude reminds us to pray and receive the peace of God.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:15
As we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, we have even more grace to be thankful! This Bible verse for thankfulness encourages us to receive the peace of God in the midst of painful situations, so that we can give thanks more freely.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
This Bible verse about thankfulness and gratitude reminds us that we can pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances. It goes even further to say that continual prayer and continual thanks is the will of God for us. Going through tough situations is promised in the Bible, but we’re also promised that God will be with us through it all. Despite your circumstances, these Bible verses about practicing gratitude can help renew your mind and re-energize you to face each day with fresh hope!
Related Post: 21 Bible Verses When You Feel Anxious or Worried
Bible Verses About Gratefulness Can Help in Sharing Your Faith
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. – 1 Chronicles 16:8-9
When we give thanks and praise to the Lord, we can make Him known across the earth for what He has done! One of the ways we do this is by singing songs of praise to Him, reminding all who hear that He does wonderful things. This Bible verse about thankfulness and gratitude reminds us that this practice of giving thanks can help us share our faith.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven. – Matthew 5:16
This Bible verse about thankfulness and gratitude reminds us that as we are kind to others and generous with our thanks to others, we glorify our Father in Heaven. When we’re intentionally kind to others, we have more opportunities to share our faith.
In every way and everywhere we accept this with all gratitude. – Acts 24:3
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17
As we read these Bible verses on thankfulness, we see a theme of giving thanks to God our Father! As we yield to the commands of Jesus in the scriptures, thanksgiving and gratitude will become our automatic reaction in every season and every situation, especially when sharing our faith!
Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful. – Colossians 4:2
So many Bible verses about thankfulness and gratitude are written alongside the command to pray. Prayer is like the fuel that helps us grow in sharing our faith.Wanting to grow in the place of prayer? Visit our resources on prayer.
We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. – 2 Thessalonians 1:3
This Bible verse on thankfulness reminds us that giving gratitude is right and it even causes our faith to grow abundantly. As our faith grows abundantly, we are more eager to share it with others! Practicing gratitude and being humble can open the door for conversations about your faith. Maybe you’re able to thank someone for the opportunity to speak into their lives, like Paul in Acts 24. By living gratefully, God is able to shine through you to those around you (Matthew 5). In these Bible verses about thankfulness, we can see how others will be impacted by our reliance and love of God.
Related Post: 3 Reasons Why Sharing Your Faith Story Matters
How to Use Bible Verses to Practice Gratitude
We recommend Practicing Gratitude! Here are three practical options:
- Start your day by writing 3 things you’re thankful for and spend 5 minutes thanking God for those things and for Who He is (refer back to the section “Scriptures About Being Thankful for Who God Is”)
- Write out the Bible Verses that stood out to you on a sticky note and read it every day
- Ask a friend or mentor to keep you accountable in being thankful in all circumstances
As you meditate on these Bible verses about gratitude to God and others, we hope your heart leaps with joy!
Conclusion
Our goal is to help everyone take their next step in their relationship with Jesus and we know that these Bible verses about thankfulness can help renew your mind about who God is, give you hope in hard times, and show you that gratefulness & humility can open doors to share your faith with others!
Related Post: How to Be Intentionally Grateful
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