What does the Bible say about gratitude?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that gratitude is the fitting response of God’s redeemed people to his unchanging goodness, sovereign care, and generous gifts in Christ. Believers are called to give thanks in every circumstance, trusting that God’s will is good even amid hardship (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The Psalms repeatedly summon God’s people to thank him because his steadfast love endures forever (Psalms 118:24; 136:1; 107:1). Every good gift comes from the Father (James 1:17), and Christ’s peace should produce thankful hearts and thankful worship in all of life (Colossians 3:15-17). Gratitude therefore is not mere optimism, but faith-filled praise offered through Jesus Christ with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:18 7 votes

    In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.

  • Psalms 118:24 5 votes

    This is the day that Yahweh has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!

  • Colossians 3:17 5 votes

    Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

  • Psalms 136:1 4 votes

    Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.

  • James 1:17 4 votes

    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation nor turning shadow.

  • Colossians 3:15 4 votes

    And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.

  • Ephesians 1:16 3 votes

    don’t cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers,

  • Hebrews 12:28 3 votes

    Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can’t be shaken, let’s have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe,

  • Colossians 3:15-20 2 votes

    And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.

  • Psalms 107:1 2 votes

    Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.

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