How many times is gratitude mentioned in the Bible (What Does the Bible Say about Gratitude)?

Last Sunday, I preached in my church on a topic that is dear to my heart; gratitude. I taught my church members the rewards of having a grateful mindset. Through scripture, I explained how Jesus laid the foundation of thanksgiving for us to follow. In that preaching, I came across several mentions of that term and was curious to know, how many times is gratitude mentioned in the Bible?

After the preaching, I dug deeper into the topic of gratitude to understand its true meaning. I will share Jesus’ perception and teaching on gratitude through the write-up below. Also, learn about the types of gratitude mentioned in the scripture. That’s not all; there are listed examples of gratitude in the Bible. Read on to learn more.

What does Jesus say about gratitude?

In many ways, Jesus taught his followers about gratitude. He practiced and set an example while also giving teachings on the values of gratitude. For instance, in John 11:41-42, the scripture implies that Jesus thanked God for listening to Him when He needed him. His friend Lazarus had been ailing, and He had requested God for a miracle for his friend to come back to life. When God listened to Him, He was grateful to Him before those he was with.

Jesus taught his disciples and followers how to pray and offer their gratitude to God. In Mathew 6:9-13, the Bible suggests that Jesus teaches His followers how to pray to God. Whenever Jesus said a prayer to God, He began it with thanksgiving. In the last supper, He broke bread and gave it to His disciples, but before then, Jesus thanked God. Therefore, through all these instances, Jesus teaches his followers always to give thanks to God. Also, when God was able to listen to Jesus’ request and brought Lazarus back to life, he did not forget to give God gratitude.

What are the types of gratitude in the Bible?

There are different types of gratitude which we learn in the Bible. One is through the act of showing gratitude in Luke 7:36-50, where the sinful woman expressed her gratitude by cleaning Jesus’ feet using oil and her hair. It displays her humility and thankful heart, which Jesus rewarded by forgiving her sins.

In Luke 7:11-19, one of the lepers healed from leprosy returned to Jesus’s feet to give him thanks. Another type of gratitude based on what the scripture implies is when David expressed his gratitude through praises to God. In the book of Psalms, we read of the things David is thankful for, the riches, and for forgiveness of sins. David did not fall short of God, even in times of distress. He gave thanks; Psalm 28:6-7.

We learn of another form of gratitude through Paul as he dedicated his life to God. Initially, he used to persecute Christians, but he changed his path, and even at his lowest while in prison, he gave thanks to God for life; Philippians 4:11-12.

Where in the Bible is gratitude mentioned?

There are various instances with mentions of gratitude. In the book of Job, the scripture implies various times that Job expressed his gratitude to God. As the Bible implies, Job had gone through a difficult time and lost most of his fortune, but he still went before God in thanksgiving; Job 1:1-22.

The book of Psalms alludes to many verses which speak of thanksgiving to God; Psalm 9:1, Psalm 100:4, and Psalm 28:6-7. David speaks of the greatness of God in all circumstances. He is grateful to God as He accepts Him with his flaws.

There are various verses among the books Paul wrote that give the impression of Paul expressing gratitude to God; Philippians 4:6, Colossians 3:16-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and Ephesians 5:20.

The first mention of gratitude in the Bible

The first mention of gratitude is in Leviticus 7:12-15. In this verse, the scripture implies that God guided Moses on how His people should carry out thanksgiving offerings. Following that, there are other mentions of gratitude and guidance on when and how people should give thanks. Other mentions of gratitude in the scripture are Ephesians 5:20, Philippians 4:6, and Psalm 100:4.

Examples of Gratitude in the Bible

Psalm 100:4says that followers of Christ should give thanks and praise to God.

Philippians 4:6 says that one should give thanks to God in all circumstances.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says that one should give thanks to God in all circumstances as it is the will of God.

Psalm 118:29says that people should give gratitude to God for He is good.

Colossians 3:16-17 says that we should give thanks to God as well as sing songs of praise to him, and in whatever we do, we should do it in His favor.

Psalm 9:1 says that the psalmist will give gratitude to God for His enduring love.

Hebrews 12:28-29 says that we should thank God for establishing an unshakable kingdom.

Ephesians 5:20 says that we should give gratitude to God in all situations.

Psalm 107:1says that people should thank God as his love is everlasting.

2 Corinthians 2:14 says that God has given us knowledge for which we should be grateful.

Psalm 95:2 says that people should sing songs of praise and go before God with thanksgiving.