Beautiful Examples of Gratitude in the Bible

What’s Inside: These examples of Gratitude in the Bible showcase inspiring biblical figures who modeled thankful hearts despite difficulties.

Are you feeling a little ungrateful lately? Maybe you’re caught up in the daily grind of chores, meal prep, and errand running.. Or perhaps you’re dealing with a case of the “gimmes” where you just want more stuff.

Girl, I’ve been there too!

In those moments when we’re fixated on what we don’t have, it’s easy to forget all the good things God has blessed us with already. That’s why I’m here to remind you of some truly beautiful examples of gratitude in the Bible. These real-life stories of gratitude in Scripture will inspire you to see your glass as more than half-full. It’s overflowing!

Beautiful Examples of Gratitude in the Bible

So grab your Bible, a cozy spot, and maybe a warm cup of coffee (or chilled beverage if you prefer!). We’re about to dive into some amazing stories of gratitude that will remind you just how blessed we are as daughters of the King.

You’ll be saying “Thank you, Lord!” in no time

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What is Gratitude and Why Is It Important in the Christian Life?

Biblical gratitude is all about recognizing the blessings we’ve received and saying a heartfelt “thank you” to God, the Giver of all good gifts. It’s taking the time to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. To look around at the beauty and provision in our lives and give praise to our heavenly Father.

Gratitude is not a warm, fuzzy feeling we get when we truly appreciate the good things in our lives, Sometimes gratitude takes effort and is something we need to cultivate. It can take hard work to give thanks- it is an ongoing project that takes daily practice.

What is the difference between thankfulness and gratitude”

In this article, thankfulness and gratitude, go hand in hand but they are different. Thankfulness is usually being thankful for a specific act or occurence. Gratitude means expressing thankfulness and being appreciative of life daily even when nothing exciting happens. Gratitude is an overarching

Thankfulness focuses on a specific interaction while gratitude is an ongoing appreciation. Gratitude sticks around.

Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance we already possess

It’s so easy to get fixated on what we don’t have. The neighbor’s fancy new car, your friend’s beautiful kitchen remodel, your sister-in-law’s dream vacation pics that are all over social media.

Trust me, I’ve felt that twinge of envy and fallen into the comparison trap too.

But you know what I’ve found? The more I practice thankfulness for the abundance I already have, the less I pine after stuff that doesn’t really matter. It’s as if gratitude gives me those rose-colored glasses to see just how rich my life really is.

Instead of whining that my car’s a bit older, I thank God I have reliable transportation. Rather than jealously eyeing someone else’s newly renovated home, I appreciate the cozy memories we have made in our little nest. And those enviable vacation shots? They just remind me to be grateful for the priceless time I have with loved ones where no passports are required!

When I wake up with a heart overflowing with praise for the big and little blessings around me, that scarcity mindset gets pushed aside. It’s harder to feel deprived when you’re busy counting all the ways God’s looked after you, am I right?

Gratitude is all about recognizing the blessings we’ve received and saying a heartfelt “thank you” to God.
Gratitude takes work and is something we must daily cultivate.
Gratitude helps you see how rich your life is right now.

Here are some amazing Bible examples of gratitude throughout the Bible.

Examples of Gratitude in the Old Testament

Noah built an altar after the flood and sacrificed to God. After surviving the catastrophic flood, one of the first things Noah did when he got off the ark was build an altar and sacrifice burnt offerings to the Lord as an expression of thanksgiving.

And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
Genesis 8:20-22

The Psalms are filled with David’s outpourings of thankfulness to God for rescuing him time and again from enemies and difficult circumstances.

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalm 34:1

Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
Psalm 18:49

I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise will always be on my lips.
My soul boasts in the LORD;
let the oppressed hear and rejoice.
Magnify the LORD with me;
let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him are radiant with joy;
their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him;
He saved him from all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
and he delivers them.
Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Psalm 34:1-8

When God revealed Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to Daniel, he responded with a beautiful prayer of gratitude:

Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven;
Daniel said,
         “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever,
         For wisdom and power belong to Him.
It is He who changes the times and the epochs;
         He removes kings and establishes kings;
         He gives wisdom to wise men
         And knowledge to men of understanding.
“It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things;
         He knows what is in the darkness,
         And the light dwells with Him.
“To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise,
         For You have given me wisdom and power;
         Even now You have made known to me what we requested of You,
         For You have made known to us the king’s matter.”
Daniel 2:19-23

Related Post: Thanksgiving Prayer Points to Help You Cultivate Gratitude

Gratitude Examples from the Life of Jesus

Jesus healing ten lepers, but only one returns to give thanks. The story of the ten lepers in Luke is such a good gratitude check for us! Jesus, 10 lepers cried to the Lord saying, ‘Master, have mercy on us!” And then by His gracious power, receiving complete healing. Yet shockingly, only one out of that group paused to turn back, find Jesus, and profusely thank Him. Just one! While the other nine excitedly ran off without a thought of gratitude, only one said thanks.

While Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee.
As He entered one of the villages, He was met by ten lepers.
They stood at a distance and raised their voices, shouting, “Jesus, Master,
have mercy on us!”
When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.”And as they were on their way, they were cleansed.
When one of them saw that he was healed, he came back, praising God in a loud voice.
He fell facedown at Jesus’ feet in thanksgiving to Him—and he was a Samaritan.
“Were not all ten cleansed?” Jesus asked. “Where then are the other nine?
Was no one found except this foreigner to return and give glory to God?”
Then Jesus said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well!c”
Luke 17:11-19

Even in the solemn moments before His death, Jesus modeled thankfulness for us. Can you imagine the weight He felt in that upper room? Yet He gave thanks over the unleavened bread and cup of wine, using them as powerful symbols of His soon-to-be broken body and spilled blood. Despite the overwhelming sorrow to come, Jesus started the Last Supper from a place of gratefulness. His grateful heart even amid immense suffering is so inspiring!

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.”
Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.
This is My blood of the covenant,e which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Matthew 26:26-30

Examples of Gratitude from the Early Church in the New Testament

The Apostle Paul prayed prayers of gratitude in some of the epistles to the church. Here are three:

Paul’s Prayer of Thankfulness to the Church at Ephesus

You know how it feels when you hear about friends or family members living out their faith in an amazing way? That’s how Paul felt when writing to the Ephesian believers. He just couldn’t contain his gratitude, gushing “I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Paul was so proud of their unwavering love for Jesus and one another.

Their authentic faith sparked a profound thankfulness in the apostle’s heart every time he thought about them. They were his spiritual children!

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,
Ephesians 1:15-16

Paul’s Prayer of Gratitude to the Church at Philippi

The Philippian believers really knew how to warm Paul’s heart, didn’t they? Every time Paul thought of them, he just overflowed with thankfulness and joy. You can hear the smile in his words as he wrote, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Paul deeply appreciated their spreading the gospel from the very first day until then. He was confident that the good work God had started in them would continue growing and flourishing.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippins 1:3-6

Practical Tips for Cultivating Gratitude

Maybe, like all the beautiful examples shown above, you are wanting to cultivate a bit more gratitude in your heart and life. So do I.

Here are some ways that I have done that you might want to try as well.

Keep a gratitude journal
Wake up and say a prayer of gratitude each morning
Express appreciation to others regularly
When you want to complain, replace it with an expression of gratitide
Reflect on God’s faithfulness in difficult times

The other day, I was having a bit of a complain fest. Instead of wallowing in it, I went to my desk and did some gratitude journaling in my mini journal. It really helps shift our moods to be thankful!

All of the ways I have mentioned above are simple ways you can implement gratitude in your life.

Beautiful Examples of Gratitude in the Bible- Wrap Up

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.”
Melody Beattie

Doesn’t that quote just nail it? When gratitude to God becomes second nature, it allows us to embrace life’s bounty rather than constantly craving more.

At its core, gratitude draws us closer to our loving Father’s heart. As we regularly cherish His generous blessings, it reinforces our assurance of God’s faithfulness and provision. Counting our many reasons to be grateful makes difficulties feel less daunting too. We’re reminded that our struggles are temporary, while God’s care is eternal.

Are you ready to give thanks to God?

Let me lovingly challenge you, Sweet Sister: get intentional about making gratitude a spiritual discipline. See it in your every day life but also use these examples of gratitude in the Bible as your roadmap to cultivating gratitude in your life!