What Does the Bible Say About Gratitude? Vital Lessons

March 2024

The Bible encourages believers to have a thankful heart and continually be grateful to God. It also speaks in-depth about gratitude, teaching us that gratitude is vital to the Christian faith.

In this article, we will talk about Jesus' teachings, cultivating a heart of gratitude, and the 5 pillars of gratitude. Continue reading to find out more.

What is a good Bible verse for gratitude?

Here are a few key Bible verses and what they have to say about gratitude:

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV): "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Gratitude should be a constant attitude, in any circumstance.
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." Gratitude is a part of the Christian life, along with peace and unity.
Psalm 100:4 (NIV): "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Gratitude is a fundamental aspect of worship and approaching God.
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." Gratitude is linked with trust in God and experiencing His peace.
Ephesians 5:20 (NIV): "always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Gratitude as a continual practice, extending to all aspects of life.

What does Jesus teach us about gratitude?

Jesus taught us about gratitude through the words He spoke and the way He lived His life. In His teachings throughout the New Testament, Jesus emphasized the importance of being thankful for all things and giving glory to God. Below are some of the lessons Jesus taught us about gratitude:

The Parable of the Ten Lepers. (Luke 17:11-19): In this story, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to thank him. Jesus questioned why only one came back to give thanks. He emphasized the importance of gratitude by saying, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?"
The Feeding of the Five Thousand. (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-14): When Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed the large crowd, he began by giving thanks for the food. This act illustrates Jesus' gratitude and sets an example for his followers.
The Lord's Prayer. (Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4): In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray with a spirit of gratitude, acknowledging God as the provider of daily bread and asking for forgiveness as they forgive others.
The Vine and the Branches. (John 15:1-17): This is a metaphorical teaching, in which Jesus speaks of himself as the vine and his followers as the branches. Gratitude for the relationship with Jesus and dependence on him are central themes in this teaching.
The Widow's Offering. (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4): Jesus praised the poor widow who gave two small coins as an offering because she gave out of her poverty, while others gave out of their wealth. This story highlights the value of gratitude in giving, regardless of the amount, and the importance of giving with a grateful heart.

What is a heart of gratitude in the Bible?

In the Bible, a "heart of gratitude" refers to a state of being thankful and appreciative towards God and others for the blessings and provisions we have been given. Having a heart of gratitude involves recognizing and acknowledging the goodness and mercy of God, as well as expressing thankfulness for His grace and the many gifts He bestows upon His people.

Having a heart of gratitude, in the biblical context, involves more than just saying "thank you" or feeling appreciative sometimes. It implies a deep and heart-felt attitude of thankfulness that permeates thoughts, words, and actions. It is this attitude of thankfulness that leads to a life characterized by praise and worship to God our Father. Having a heart of gratitude is about recognizing that every good gift comes from God and responding with thankfulness and humility.

What are the 5 pillars of gratitude?

Although the specific phrase "the five pillars of gratitude" is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the principles often associated with it align with many biblical teachings.

The five pillars of gratitude typically refer to five key aspects or practices of gratitude. These might include:

Thankfulness: Expressing thanks for blessings and provisions.
Mindfulness: Being aware of and appreciating the good things in one's life.
Reciprocity: Understanding the importance of giving back and sharing one's blessings with others.
Humility: Recognizing that blessings are not solely the result of one's own efforts but also come from outside sources or a higher power.
Generosity: Being willing to share one's blessings with others and to give without expecting something in return.

Conclusion:

Biblical teachings emphasize gratitude as a vital component of living a Christian lifestyle. When we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we are in a state of being thankful to God and others. Although the phrase "five pillars of gratitude" is not explicitly mentioned the Bible, the elements of thankfulness, mindfulness, reciprocity, humility and generosity resonate throughout scripture, shaping believers' attitudes and actions. Overall, gratitude is a transformative force that deepens our relationship with God and enhances our interactions with the world around us.