An Attitude of Gratitude

An attitude of gratitude shows real honor to God, whether it is offered to God or to others. It also allows us to enjoy the blessings that come our way. A thankful heart grows as we recognize God’s work in our lives.

We can cultivate an attitude of gratitude by giving thanks regularly to God and to others. Consider setting aside time every day to think about things for which you are thankful. Make a list of God’s blessings in your life, especially the most recent ones, and thank Him for them. Don’t wait to feel thankful before giving thanks. Giving thanks leads to being thankful. Starting and ending our days by reminding ourselves of God’s goodness is a powerful way to build a spirit of thankfulness in our hearts.

Think about how much God blesses us, provides for us, protects us, comforts us, and encourages us — then consider His great sacrifice for us. Through His love and generosity, we have much to be thankful for!

Giving Thanks and Praise to God

Giving thanks to God creates a spirit of gratitude and praise that improves our perspective on life. Complaining connects us to our unhappiness; gratitude and praise connect us to the source of real joy. When we make thanksgiving a regular part of our lives, we stay focused on all God has done and continues to do for us.

Thankfulness to God shows when we offer kindness and forgiveness to others. God is so pleased by our imitation of His character that He says it is as though we were offering kindness to Christ Himself.

Thankfulness should not be dependent on our circumstances but should be expressed regardless of the situation in which we find ourselves. It’s about recognizing and appreciating the blessings we have received and acknowledging God’s faithfulness.

Thankfulness doesn’t have to wait until after a prayer is answered. Faith and thankfulness go hand-in-hand in prayer. We should thank God because He hears and answers prayers.

God promises to help us through tough times. He redeems our mistakes, teaches us wisdom through adversity, and brings salvation, even out of profound tragedy. A God who redeems all trouble is a God worthy of our praise and thanksgiving!

12 Examples of Gratitude in the Bible (and Lessons to Learn)

The concept of gratitude is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, serving as a fundamental aspect of the believer’s relationship with God. Gratitude, as depicted in the Scriptures, is not merely a response to favorable circumstances but a perpetual posture of the heart that acknowledges God’s sovereignty, goodness, and provision.

There are many profound instances throughout the Bible where individuals express thankfulness to God in different situations. Whether it be Job’s unwavering faithfulness despite losing everything he held dear or Paul’s exhortation to give thanks in all circumstances, these stories serve as timeless reminders that gratitude is not merely an expression but a way of life.

This journey through Scripture will provide compelling examples of gratitude and prayer that illuminate the transformative power of thankfulness in the face of adversity.

1. Hannah’s Thankful Prayer

In 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Hannah expresses deep gratitude and joy after experiencing years of infertility and finally being blessed with a son, Samuel. Her prayer is not only a display of thankfulness for the miracle she has received, but also reflects her trust and faith in God’s faithfulness.

Through Hannah’s story, we learn that gratitude can be found even in the most challenging circumstances. Despite facing ridicule and distress from others due to her barrenness, Hannah demonstrates unwavering faith and thanksgiving.

This highlights the importance of maintaining an attitude of gratitude even when life seems difficult or uncertain. Ultimately, Hannah’s example teaches us that true gratitude stems from acknowledging God’s goodness and provision in our lives, regardless of our circumstances.

2. David’s Thanksgiving Psalms

David, the beloved king of Israel, expressed profound gratitude through his Thanksgiving Psalms, showcasing a deep spiritual connection with God.

In Psalm 30, David rejoices in the restoration of his health and declares that God turned his mourning into dancing — an inspiring testament to the transformative power of gratitude.

Similarly, in Psalm 103, David praises God for His mercy and compassion, recognizing that all blessings come from Him.

What sets David’s Thanksgiving Psalms apart is the raw honesty and vulnerability with which he expresses his emotions. Despite facing numerous challenges and betrayals throughout his life, David consistently turns to gratitude as a powerful force for spiritual growth and healing.

Through these psalms, we learn that practicing gratitude not only shifts our perspective, but also strengthens our faith and relationship with God.

3. The Ten Lepers’ Healing

The story of the Ten Lepers’ Healing is found in Luke 17:11-19. When Jesus healed ten lepers, only one returned to express his gratitude. This lone Samaritan leper recognized the healing power of Jesus and fell at His feet in thankfulness. Despite being an outcast due to his illness, his gratitude allowed him to receive not just physical healing, but also spiritual wholeness.

The story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of expressing gratitude for the blessings we receive. It challenges us to reflect on how often we take things for granted and overlook opportunities to give thanks.

Just like the Samaritan leper, our expressions of gratitude can deepen our faith and relationship with God, opening doors for further blessings in our lives. Let us learn from this story and strive to cultivate a heart filled with gratitude in all circumstances.

4. Paul’s Letter of Thankfulness to the Philippians

In Philippians 1:3-5, Paul thanks God every time he remembers the Philippians, highlighting his deep appreciation for their partnership in spreading the Gospel.

This demonstrates how gratitude can strengthen relationships and foster unity among believers.

Additionally, in Philippians 4:10-20, Paul expresses thankfulness for the provision and support he has received from the Philippian church. He acknowledges their generosity and faithfulness in supporting him financially while emphasizing that his contentment comes from Christ alone.

This example shows us that gratitude is not just about receiving material blessings, but also recognizing God’s faithfulness through the generosity of others.

Overall, Paul’s gratitude towards the Philippians serves as a powerful example of how expressing thankfulness can cultivate a spirit of unity, generosity, and contentment within a community of believers. It reminds us to appreciate and acknowledge God’s work in our lives through the people around us.

5. The Widow’s Offering

In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus observes a poor widow giving two small coins in the temple treasury. While others give out of their wealth, she gives all she has, demonstrating deep faith and trust in God’s provision. Her humility and sacrificial giving reflect a heart filled with gratitude, showing that true thankfulness is not about the quantity but the sincerity of one’s offering.

This account challenges us to reflect on our attitudes towards giving and gratitude. The widow teaches us that gratitude is not dependent on abundance but on a heart willing to trust God in all circumstances.

Her humble act serves as a reminder that genuine thankfulness comes from a place of surrender and devotion to God, inspiring us to cultivate a spirit of generosity and appreciation in our own lives.

6. Mary’s Anointing of Jesus

In Luke 7:37-38, the story of Mary’s anointing of Jesus is an example of gratitude and devotion. When Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair, she displayed a deep sense of thankfulness for all that he had done for her. This act was not just an expression of gratitude, but also a demonstration of love and reverence towards Jesus.

Mary’s extravagant gesture was criticized by some who questioned the wastefulness of using such expensive perfume. However, Jesus defended Mary, highlighting the significance of her actions as an act of preparing him for his burial. This unique perspective shifts the focus from mere extravagance to a profound act of honoring and acknowledging Jesus’ impending sacrifice for humanity.

Mary’s anointing teaches us that true gratitude often requires significant sacrifice and bold expressions, even when it may seem unconventional to others. Furthermore, Mary’s example challenges us to evaluate our acts of gratitude towards God and others.

• Are we willing to show our appreciation in ways that go beyond societal norms?
• Can we offer our best without worrying about judgment or critique?

Mary’s anointing serves as a reminder that genuine gratitude transcends limitations and moves us to express our deepest emotions with boldness and sincerity.

7. Daniel’s Prayer of Thanksgiving

In Daniel 6:10, Daniel’s prayer of thanksgiving serves as an example of gratitude in challenging circumstances. Despite being faced with a decree that banned him from praying to anyone except King Darius for thirty days, Daniel chose to express his gratitude towards God.

This act of defiance was not driven by rebellion but by unwavering faith and thankfulness for God’s faithfulness and provision. In the midst of adversity, Daniel did not focus on his troubles, but instead lifted up praise and thanksgiving to God.

His prayer serves as a reminder that true gratitude transcends external circumstances and stems from a deep-rooted trust in the goodness and sovereignty of God. It challenges us to cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving even when faced with difficulties, knowing that our ultimate hope lies in Him who is worthy of all praise.

8. Jesus’ Prayer of Thanks

Jesus often expressed gratitude through prayers and actions. One powerful example is found in John 6:9-13, where Jesus offers thanks before feeding the five thousand with just five loaves of bread and two fish. Instead of succumbing to fear or doubt, Jesus demonstrates an attitude of thanksgiving and trust in God’s provision.

This act of gratitude goes beyond a mere expression of thanks; it reflects a deep faith in the abundance and generosity of God. By thanking God for what seemed like meager resources, Jesus sets an example for his followers to always cultivate a spirit of gratitude, even in times of scarcity or need.

This prayer highlights the transformative power of gratitude, turning limited resources into abundant blessings through faith and thanksgiving. The story serves as a reminder that acknowledging and giving thanks for what we have can lead to miraculous outcomes beyond our expectations.

9. Paul’s Thankfulness for the Corinthians

In 2 Corinthians, Paul expresses profound gratitude for the Corinthians, highlighting their support and faith despite challenges. He writes of how their generosity and love have deeply touched him, reflecting a sense of gratefulness that transcends mere words.

This example of thankfulness showcases the power of community and connection in fostering gratitude, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging those who uplift us during difficult times. Moreover, it serves as a reminder to appreciate the relationships in our lives that bring us strength and love. It underscores the significance of expressing gratitude not only in words, but also through actions that reflect genuine appreciation.

By recognizing and celebrating the goodness others bring into our lives, we cultivate a spirit of thankfulness that enriches both our well-being and the bonds we share with those around us. It teaches us that practicing gratitude is not just about feeling thankful, but also about actively nurturing relationships built on mutual support and care. It encourages us to seek out moments where we can express gratitude authentically and fosters a deeper understanding of how interconnectedness enhances our capacity for appreciation in life’s journey.

10. The Israelites’ Thanksgiving for Deliverance

In Exodus 15, after crossing the Red Sea and witnessing their enemies destroyed, Miriam leads the women in a song of praise to God (Exodus 15:20-21). This act of thanksgiving demonstrates their deep gratitude for being delivered from oppression and experiencing God’s miraculous intervention.

Moreover, in Psalm 106, the psalmist recalls how the Israelites continually forgot God’s works despite His faithfulness. Despite their shortcomings, God repeatedly rescued them from various trials and dangers.

This serves as a reminder that genuine gratitude involves recognizing not just our blessings, but also acknowledging our reliance on God’s constant deliverance in times of need. The Israelites’ response offers us a blueprint for expressing profound thankfulness by remembering and praising God for His continuous acts of deliverance in our lives.

11. The Samaritan Woman’s Gratitude

In John 4, Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at the well and reveals her deep secrets, yet instead of shame or fear, she responds with awe and gratitude. Despite societal norms and prejudices against her, she recognizes Jesus as a prophet and expresses her gratitude by spreading the news of his teachings throughout her community.

The Samaritan woman’s transformative encounter with Jesus showcases a profound sense of thankfulness that transcends cultural barriers and personal struggles.

Through her story, we are reminded that genuine gratitude can arise from moments of vulnerability and acceptance. This teaches us that true appreciation requires an open heart willing to receive blessings, even in unlikely circumstances.

12. Ezra’s Prayer of Thanks

Ezra’s prayer of thanks found in Ezra 7 was offered by Ezra, a scribe and priest, as he led a group of Israelites back to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. In his prayer, Ezra expressed deep gratitude for God’s mercy and faithfulness in allowing them to return to their homeland after years of captivity.

One striking aspect of Ezra’s prayer is his acknowledgment that the people had sinned and strayed from God’s commandments. Despite this, Ezra recognized God’s continued grace and forgiveness towards them.

Through this prayer, we see how gratitude can be expressed even in times of repentance and seeking forgiveness. It serves as a reminder that true gratitude involves humility and recognizing our own shortcomings while also acknowledging the enduring grace of God.

Furthermore, Ezra’s prayer highlights the importance of communal worship and thanksgiving. As Ezra led the people in this prayer, it reflected a collective expression of gratitude for God’s goodness and favor towards them as a community.

This teaches us that gratitude should not only be personal, but also shared among believers as they come together to give thanks for all that God has done.

Summary

The Bible is filled with numerous examples of gratitude that serve as powerful reminders of the importance of giving thanks in our own lives. From the psalms of David to the prayers of Paul, we see how expressing gratitude can lead to a deeper connection with God and a greater sense of joy and contentment.

These stories show us that gratitude is not just a fleeting emotion but a way of life that can transform our perspective and attitude towards the challenges we face. As we reflect on these biblical examples, may we be inspired to cultivate a spirit of gratitude in our daily lives, recognizing and appreciating the blessings that surround us.

Thankfulness and Praise Scripture

Psalm 107 – “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice evermore. [17] Pray without ceasing. [18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Colossians 3:17 – “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

1 Chronicles 16:34 – “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.”

Genesis 1:31 – “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”

Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”

Philippians 4:6 – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

John 11:41-43 – “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. [42] And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. [43] And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.”

Habakkuk 3:18-19 – “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. [19] The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.”

1 Chronicles 16:8 – “Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.”

Ephesians 1:3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”

Psalm 111:1-2 – “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. [2] The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.”

Matthew 6:31-33 – “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? [32] (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. [33] But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 5:8 – “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

1 Corinthians 15:57 – “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Psalm 13:5-6 – “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. [6] I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.”

Psalm 44:7 – “But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.”

Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. [10] For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”

Matthew 7:9-11 – “Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? [10] Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? [11] If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”

James 1:17 – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

Matthew 5:11-12 – “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. [12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

Psalm 50:23 – “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.”

Psalm 92:1 – “(A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day.) It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:”

Luke 17:16 – “And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.”

Colossians 2:7 – “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

Psalm 92:2 – “To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,”

Colossians 3:15 – “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

1 Timothy 4:4 – “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:”

1 Chronicles 16:7 – “Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.”

Psalm 9:1-2 – “I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. [2] I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.”

Psalm 100:4 – “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

Psalm 104:1 – “Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.”

Psalm 147:7 – “Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:”

Psalm 149:1-3 – “Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. [2] Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. [3] Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.”

Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Psalm 116:17 – “I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.”

Psalm 119:7 – “I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.”

Matthew 25:40 – “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

1 John 4:19 – “We love him, because he first loved us.”

Colossians 4:2 – “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”

Matthew 15:36 – “And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.”

1 Timothy 4:3-5 – “…commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. [4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: [5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”

Genesis 50:19-20 – “And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? [20] But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

Joshua 1:7 – “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.”

Psalm 7:17 – “I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.”

Psalm 138:2 – “I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”

2 Corinthians 9:15 – “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

Ephesians 2:8 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”

1 Timothy 1:12 – “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;”

2 Corinthians 9:8-15 – “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: [9] (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. [10] Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) [11] Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. [12] For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; [13] Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; [14] And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. [15] Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”

Conclusion

There are countless blessings for which we can be thankful. A true attitude of gratitude is one that appreciates even the smallest things. Without the sense of appreciation and thankfulness for small things, we risk being unthankful even for big things. Although we are commanded to be thankful for all things, thankfulness shouldn’t feel like a chore, but rather a joyful habit that strengthens the love we have for God and for others.

Let’s incorporate gratitude into every aspect of our lives and to see everything we do as an opportunity to express our thanks to the Lord. Gratitude surpasses mere words — it becomes a lifestyle that reflects our continual recognition of God’s goodness towards us. Giving thanks helps us to celebrate both the giver and the gift. Celebrate often!

Sources: “Thankfulness” TouchPoint topic from the KJV Tecarta Life Bible app
https://christianityiq.com/examples-of-gratitude-in-the-bible/
https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_attitude_of_gratitude.htm#google_vignette