What does the Bible say about thankfulness?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that thankfulness is the fitting response of God’s people to his unchanging goodness, saving grace, and faithful providence in every circumstance. Believers are called to give thanks in all things, not because every trial is good in itself, but because God works wisely and lovingly through all things for his people (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The Psalms summon worshipers to enter God’s presence with thanksgiving, praising him because his steadfast love endures forever (Psalms 100:4; Psalms 106:1; Psalms 107:1). Prayer should be marked by grateful dependence rather than anxiety (Philippians 4:6), and gratitude should fill the church’s worship, speech, and daily life (Colossians 3:15, 17; Ephesians 5:20).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
- Psalms 100:4
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, Into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, and bless his name.
- Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;
- Ephesians 5:20
giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father;
- Psalms 106:1
Praise Yahweh! Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, For his loving kindness endures forever.
- Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
- Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
- Colossians 3:17
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 107:1
Give thanks to Yahweh, For he is good, For his loving kindness endures forever.
- 1 Chronicles 16:34
Oh give thanks to Yahweh; for he is good; For his loving kindness endures forever.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- Jesus set an example of Matthew 11:25; Matthew 26:27; John 11:41
- The heavenly host engage in Revelation 4:9; Revelation 7:11; Revelation 7:12; Revelation 11:16; Revelation 11:17
- Commanded Psalms 50:14
- Should be offered
- To God Psalms 50:14
- To Christ 1 Timothy 1:12
- Through Christ Romans 1:8; Colossians 3:17; Hebrews 13:15
- In the name of Christ Ephesians 5:20
- On behalf of God’ s servants 2 Corinthians 1:11
- In private worship Daniel 6:10
- In public worship Psalms 35:18
- In everything 1 Thessalonians 5:18
- Upon the completion of great undertakings Nehemiah 12:31; Nehemiah 12:40
- Before receiving food John 6:11; Acts 27:35
- Always Ephesians 1:16; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:2
- As the remembrance of God’ s holiness Psalms 30:4; Psalms 97:12
- For the goodness and mercy of God Psalms 106:1; Psalms 107:1; Psalms 136:1-3
- For the gift of Christ 2 Corinthians 9:15
- For Christ’ s power and reign Revelation 11:17
- For the reception and effectual working of the word of God in others 1 Thessalonians 2:13
- For deliverance from indwelling sin, through Christ Romans 7:23-25
- For victory over death and the grave 1 Corinthians 15:57
- For wisdom and might Daniel 2:23
- For the triumph of the gospel 2 Corinthians 2:14
- For the conversion of others Romans 6:17
- For faith exhibited by others Romans 1:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:3
- For love exhibited by others 2 Thessalonians 1:3
- For the grace bestowed on others 1 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:3-5; Colossians 1:3-6
- For the zeal exhibited by others 2 Corinthians 8:16
- For the nearness of God’ s presence Psalms 75:1
- For appointment to spiritual service 1 Timothy 1:12
- For willingness to offer our property for God’ s service 1 Chronicles 29:6-14
- For the supply of our bodily needs Romans 14:6; Romans 14:7; 1 Timothy 4:3; 1 Timothy 4:4
- For all people 1 Timothy 2:1
- For all things 2 Corinthians 9:11; Ephesians 5:20
- Should be accompanied by intercession for others 1 Timothy 2:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 1:4
- Should always accompany prayer Nehemiah 11:17; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2
- Should always accompany praise Psalms 92:1; Hebrews 13:15
- Expressed in psalms 1 Chronicles 16:7
- Ministers appointed to offer, in public 1 Chronicles 16:4; 1 Chronicles 16:7; 1 Chronicles 23:30; 2 Chronicles 31:2
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