What Does the Bible Say About Gratitude?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary is a devoted Bible student who loves sharing her knowledge, inspiring others with faith-filled insights, and deepening spiritual understanding through writing.

Gratitude is one of the most powerful attitudes a person can have.

It changes the way we see the world, improves our relationships, and brings us closer to God.

But in a world full of challenges, struggles, and disappointments, gratitude is not always easy.

It can be hard to be thankful when life is difficult.

The Bible, however, teaches that gratitude is not just for good times—it is something believers should have in all situations.

God calls His people to live with grateful hearts, no matter what they are going through.

Through Scripture, we can see how gratitude is not only an important part of faith, but also a source of strength, joy, and peace.

Gratitude is a Command, Not Just a Feeling

Many people think of gratitude as something that happens when life is going well.

They feel thankful when they receive a blessing, experience success, or hear good news.

But the Bible teaches that gratitude is more than just a response to good things—it is a way of life.

First Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

This verse does not say to be thankful only when things go well.

It says to give thanks in all circumstances.

That means even in hardship, uncertainty, and pain, God still calls His people to have grateful hearts.

Gratitude is not based on feelings—it is a choice to trust God and recognize His goodness, no matter what.

Gratitude Draws Us Closer to God

When a person is grateful, they focus on what God has done rather than on what they lack.

This shift in perspective draws them closer to Him.

Psalm 100:4 encourages believers to, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

Thanksgiving is the key to entering into God’s presence.

It reminds believers of who He is and all He has done.

Jesus also showed the power of gratitude in His own life.

Before performing miracles, He often gave thanks.

In John 6:11, before feeding the five thousand, Jesus “took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.”

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Before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus prayed in John 11:41, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.”

Even in difficult moments, Jesus expressed gratitude, showing that thanksgiving strengthens faith and prepares the heart for God’s power to work.

Gratitude Brings Peace

Worry and stress can easily take over when life feels overwhelming.

But gratitude has the power to bring peace in the middle of chaos.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “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.”

Gratitude is directly connected to peace.

When a person prays with thanksgiving, they shift their focus from their problems to God’s power.

Instead of being consumed by fear, they rest in the knowledge that God is in control.

Gratitude does not mean ignoring difficulties—it means trusting God in the middle of them.

When gratitude becomes a habit, peace follows.

Gratitude Strengthens Faith

Faith grows when gratitude becomes a daily practice.

The more a person gives thanks, the more they see God’s hand at work in their lives.

Colossians 2:6-7 says, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Thankfulness is not just an afterthought—it is something that strengthens faith.

When people remember what God has done in the past, they find it easier to trust Him for the future.

Gratitude helps believers stay grounded in their faith, even when life is uncertain.

It reminds them that God is always working, even when they cannot see it.

Gratitude Changes How We See Others

A grateful heart does not just affect a person’s relationship with God—it also transforms their relationships with others.

When people focus on what they are thankful for, they become more patient, kind, and understanding.

Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.

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And be thankful.”

Gratitude brings peace to relationships.

Instead of focusing on what is wrong with others, a thankful heart looks for the good.

It encourages people to appreciate rather than criticize, to forgive rather than hold grudges, and to love rather than complain.

Grateful people are also generous.

Second Corinthians 9:11 says, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

When people recognize God’s blessings, they are more willing to share with others.

Gratitude leads to kindness, generosity, and stronger relationships.

Gratitude in Hard Times

It is easy to be grateful when life is good.

But what about when life is painful?

The Bible shows that even in suffering, gratitude is still possible.

Job, a man who lost everything—his wealth, his family, and his health—still chose to trust God.

In Job 1:21, after losing everything, he said, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

Paul, who faced imprisonment, beatings, and persecution, still wrote in Ephesians 5:20, “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

How is it possible to be thankful in suffering?

The key is trusting that God is always working for good.

Romans 8:28 reminds believers, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Even when life is difficult, God is still in control.

Choosing gratitude in hard times strengthens faith, deepens trust in God, and leads to greater spiritual growth.

How to Develop a Habit of Gratitude

Gratitude is not something that happens automatically—it is something that must be developed.

One way to build a habit of gratitude is through prayer.

Psalm 9:1 says, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

Starting each prayer with thanksgiving shifts focus from problems to God’s blessings.

Keeping a gratitude journal is another powerful way to practice thankfulness.

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Writing down things to be grateful for each day helps create a mindset of appreciation.

Even small blessings, like a kind word from a friend or a beautiful sunset, are reminders of God’s goodness.

Expressing gratitude to others is also important.

Saying “thank you” and showing appreciation strengthens relationships and spreads joy.

Ephesians 4:29 encourages, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Words of gratitude encourage and uplift both the giver and the receiver.

Jesus and the Power of Gratitude

Jesus lived a life of gratitude, showing that thankfulness is an essential part of faith.

Before He fed the five thousand, He gave thanks.

Before He raised Lazarus from the dead, He gave thanks.

Even at the Last Supper, knowing He was about to suffer, He gave thanks.

Luke 22:19 says, “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.'”

Jesus showed that gratitude is not about circumstances—it is about trust in God.

If Jesus, facing the cross, could give thanks, then surely His followers can do the same in their daily lives.

Final Thoughts

Gratitude is more than a feeling—it is a way of life.

The Bible teaches that thankfulness strengthens faith, brings peace, improves relationships, and draws people closer to God.

Even in difficult times, gratitude is possible because God is always working for good.

By choosing to focus on blessings rather than problems, believers can develop a heart of gratitude that transforms their lives.

No matter what happens, there is always a reason to be thankful.

With a grateful heart, life becomes richer, faith becomes stronger, and joy becomes unshakable.