Imagine what the world would look like if we all routinely pondered the things we're thankful for. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to remember all your blessings in your life and give thanks to God for it all. More than that, it is especially important for Christians to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and thankfulness throughout each and every day.
The Bible — and specifically, Bible verses on thankfulness and gratitude — encourages believers to thank the Lord regardless of life circumstances, with gratefulness serving as a central theme in the human experience.
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Research backs the idea that thankfulness and gratitude are good for the human soul. In fact, data cited in a Forbes article shows that gratitude promotes good manners, makes it easier to build new relationships, improves both physical and psychological health, and might even help you sleep better.
We see the concept and power of gratitude play out in the Christian movie “Saved By Grace.” In a chance encounter, two strangers, Grace and Rick, spend Thanksgiving Day together. At one point in the film, Grace and Rick remind one another to be grateful for the good things in their lives, despite the suffering they have both endured. In the midst of the conversation, Grace exclaims, "Maybe that's why God brought us together - to appreciate every moment we have!"
Bible verses on thankfulness and gratitude help us center our thoughts on God and reflect on all He has provided us. Here are 15 Scriptures to help us all focus on gratitude and thanksgiving:
Scriptures on Thankfulness: Gratitude Should Permeate Everything
Bible verses about thankfulness help us to focus on improving and appreciating every area of our lives. Here are a few Bible verses about gratitude worth exploring:
1 Thessalonians 5:16 -18 (NIV)
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”
By definition, rejoice means to feel joy and show great delight. When our joy comes from the Lord, scriptures on gratitude express that we must give thanks to God for that joy. This Bible verse on thankfulness also reminds us that we should give thanks to God "in all circumstances," remembering just how much He's blessed us with in our lives.
In "Finding Faith," Victoria, a faith advice columist, never has questioned her faith or doubted her relationship with Jesus. When a series of trials leads her to start falling away from God, her father and her pastor both go on a journey with her to find soltice in the Lord once again. Victoria learns how to give thanks in all circumstances, like this Bible verse about thankfulness, and realizes that even in tough times, He is still there with us.
2 Corinthians 4:15 (NIV)
“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”
God pours His grace upon us. Bible verses about thankfulness remind us to show that appreciation for His grace day after day.
In "5000 Blankets," Phillip wants to help the homeless population in his community by collecting blankets for them to have during the cold, winter nights. With his good deeds, he's trying to spread God's love so that it reaches "more and more people." They are so grateful for his help in meeting their needs in the same way Christ does with meeting our needs.
Ephesians 5:18-20 (NIV)
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Noah in "God's Country Song," is well on the road to fame as a country artist - and he feels no shame in soaking in the spotlight. But along that road, he ignores his family and his faith and is led to "debauchery." It isn't until he humbles himself to be grateful to God for the talents and life that he has that he starts making serious life changes. Scriptures on thankfulness remind us that God has given us everything, we should never take His gifts for granted.
Read Also: What the Bible Says About Humility & What Being Humble Looks Like
Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
It's easy to get caught up in the stress and busyness of life - especially during the holidays. But it's in those moments when we need to remember to keep our inner peace of Christ sound and steady. Nothing God gives us should cause us anxiety, but everything He does give us should fill us with peace. This Bible passage about thankfulness reminds us of just that.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
God bestows His Spirit upon us to help us grow in virtue and love. We are blessed to be chosen by God to receive these fruits of the Spirit, so let us remember to practice gratitude in thanking God for these virtues. God wants us to be filled with joy and happiness, so seek His will in your life daily.
If you’ve gotten out of the habit of being thankful, it’s time to get back into spiritual shape. Every morning, as soon as the alarm goes off, make a habit of thanking God for a new day — and ask Him for guidance as you embark on new victories and challenges in the hours ahead.
Bible Verses About Thankfulness Ease Stress
One way to ease stress in life is to focus on Bible verses about thanksgiving and gratitude. Thankfulness scriptures help us to focus on what really matters:
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
There can be times when life feels overwhelming and we are anxious about everything on our plate. But this scripture on thankfulness reminds us that if we lift our prayers and worries to God, He will take care of them - we have nothing to worry about.
In "Divine Influencer," social media influencer Olivia Golden feels like her whole world is pulled out from under her when she loses her job, her apartment and is cut off financially from her parents all at the same time. Though she hasn't prayed in a while, she finds the courage to make her requests known to God, asking for His help. When He does indeed come through - like He is there for each and every one of us - she gives thanks to Him and credits Him for His strength and courage.
Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
When things don't go our way, or we find ourselves in situations we never thought possible, it can feel like our world is slowly "caving in." Bible verses about thankfulness reminds us that God is our rock, He is there for us even when there is trouble. When He protects us and keeps us safe, let's remember to give thanks to God for His help.
In "Just in Time," Hannah's desire to start a family has caused struggles in her marriage. Finding herself in a situation she never thought she would be in, she doesn't know where she can turn to find the answers. Hannah turns to a divine encounter and an investigation into a mysterious watch that lead her to learning how to build a solid foundation with God and be grateful to God in every circumstance.
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.”
The next time you feel squeezed or pressed by circumstances, push back against that negativity with prayer. Once you’ve talked to God about what’s bothering you, thank Him for hearing and understanding what you’re going through.
Read Also: 15 Bible Verses For Stress Relief
After Olivia revives her relationship with God in "Divine Influencer," she finds the ability to pray about everything, including her worries. She gives thanks to God when He does indeed hear her prayer and answer it. Scriptures on thankfulness remind us that God is always there for us.
The Lord’s supernatural peace will fill your being. Remember, God has a plan for you and through His guidance you will overcome hard times and navigate challenges. With God, anything is possible.
Scriptures About Gratitude: Thankfulness is God’s Due
Bible verses about thanksgiving and expressing gratitude help us focus on the fact that God deeply loves us. We should give thanks to Him, as He is always there for us:
1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV)
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
As we stated earlier, rejoicing is feeling joy and showing great delight. When we feel God's love, we should give thanks for this gift. His love never ceases, and that's a blessing we should always be thankful for.
Psalm 95:2-3 (NIV)
“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.”
Bible verses on thankfulness don't only remind us that we should be grateful to God for the gifts He's given us; they remind us that we should be praising and worshipping God for everything He has done for us. Praising God is our way of recognizing that He is the King of Kings and there is no one greater than Him.
Psalm 69:30 (NIV)
“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”
Life can be challenging; sometimes it’s hard to find anything to be thankful for. In those situations, Bible verses on thankfulness remind us that there still ARE things to be grateful for. Gratitude is an act of faith — one that is pointed and intentional.
Even when our world seems to be falling apart, we can remind ourselves that God is good, His love is there even when we can’t feel it and He promises to never leave us. These truths should sustain us, especially when mixed with prayer and Bible reading.
READ ALSO: PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Bible Verses About Thankfulness Lead to Witnessing
People are often watching Christians, thus witness matters. When we focus on Bible verses about thanksgiving and gratitude, we're often able to focus more deeply on the Lord. In turn, we are able to show gratitude even when we face struggles.
These Bible verses about thankfulness will help us focus more on Him and His will — and spread His love to others:
Psalm 9:1 (NIV)
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”
When Martha Rose comes to know Jesus in "Birthright Outlaw," she dedicates her whole life to doing His will and rejoicing in His endless love and mercy. Martha Rose realizes what a gift His transformational love is and is grateful for how He's turned her life around with her new identity she's found in Christ. Scriptures about expressing gratitude illustrate that we should share God's love and mercy with all His people.
2 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV)
“But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.”
Scriptures on gratitude ask us that, in return for God's faithfulness, we spread the Good News and love of Christ to all. It's a way for us not only to show God we're thankful but to share with others the reason behind our joy.
Colossians 3:16-17 (NIV)
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 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.”
When you cultivate a spirit of thankfulness, it will spill over into your relationships. It’s easy to be thankful when everything goes right, but when others see you credit God for His love in difficult circumstances, they will begin to wonder “why.”
That question will afford you opportunities to spread the gospel and to see God moves through you and your witness. You’ll have the chance to pray with others and explain how you grew in your faith — opportunities that might be life-changing for friends and loved ones searching for meaning in a chaotic world.
This holiday season, show extra gratitude for your blessings by spending time with your family and friends. For more great content to help you walk closer to Jesus and grow your faith, be sure to subscribe to Great American Pure Flix Insider Email Newsletter.
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