“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In the Bible, thanksgiving to God—both for his work and for his person—is a major theme. The apostle Paul tells us we should prioritize expressing our gratitude as an act of Christian discipleship.

[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, 23 Bible Verses About Thanksgiving and Gratitude]

To help us focus our attention, the Bible tells us we should be grateful for:

• the goodness and mercy of God (Ps 106:1; 107:1; 136:1-3)
• the gift of Christ (2 Cor 9:15)
• Christ’s power and reign (Rev 11:17)
• deliverance from indwelling sin (Rom 7:23-25)
• the nearness of God’s presence (Ps 75:1)
• our desire to give for God’s work (1 Chron 29:6-14)
• the supply of our physical needs (Rom 14:6-7; 1 Tim 4:3-4)
• victory over death and the grave (1 Cor 15:57)
• wisdom and might (Dan 2:23)
• triumph of the gospel (2 Cor 2:14)
• the reception of God’s Word (1 Thess 2:13)
• conversion of souls (Rom 6:17)
• faith (Rom 1:8; 2 Thess 1:3), love (2 Thess 1:3), and zeal (2 Cor 8:16) manifested in others
• grace bestowed upon others (1 Cor 1:4; Phil 1:3-5; Col 1:3-6)
• ministers appointed by God (1 Tim 1:12)
• all people (1 Tim 2:1)
• everything God permits (2 Cor 9:11; Eph 5:20).

Read more about the subject of gratitude in the Encyclopedia of the Bible on Bible Gateway

[Read the Bible Gateway Blog post, Quiz: What Does the Bible Say About Thanksgiving?]

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