When I was on the first 70-Day Gratitude challenge, I realized I had written a lot of content on giving thanks, feeling gratitude and showing appreciation. I have brought them together here and will be adding to them over time. Feel free to check out anything and let me know if you have any questions.
Biblical Reasons for Gratitude
Gratitude holds a prominent place in the Bible, reflecting a heart aligned with God’s will and purpose. Throughout scripture, we find encouragement to express thankfulness, not just in moments of joy but in all circumstances. This practice can transform our perspective and deepen our faith.
Check out What most people won’t tell you about Gratitude
Theology of Thanks
Good theology is seen as an embryo with the patriarchs, drawn out in the Torah, declared in the wisdom literature, proclaimed by the prophets, lived out in the life of Christ, expounded by the apostles, and experienced in the life of the early church.
Giving thanks always is good theology.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
The Patriarchs
Genesis 24:26-27 – Abraham’s servant bowed and worshipped the LORD, giving thanks for God’s guidance in finding Rebekah. “Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD, saying, ‘Praise be to the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master.'”
Note:
The patriarchs show thanks mainly through building altars, offering sacrifices, naming significant places/wells, making vows, and verbally acknowledging God’s goodness. Explicit words like “thank you” are rare; gratitude is shown by worship and obedience.
See: Genesis 12:7, Genesis 12:8, Genesis 13:4, Genesis 13:18, Genesis 17:3, Genesis 22:13–14, Genesis 26:22, Genesis 26:24–25, Genesis 28:18–22, Genesis 31:54, Genesis 32:9–12, Genesis 35:14–15, Genesis 41:16, Genesis 45:5–9
Download your own copy of Theology of Thanks
Torah
Leviticus 7:12-15 – The law of the thank offering (todah). “If he offers it as an expression of thankfulness, then along with this thank offering he is to offer… It must be eaten on the day of the offering; he must leave none of it till morning.”
Note:
Gratitude in the Torah outside of Genesis and the patriarchs is displayed through songs of praise (such as the Song of Moses and Miriam after crossing the Red Sea), sacrificial offerings of thanksgiving (like peace offerings and thank offerings), formal blessings and prayers, and rituals that acknowledge God’s deliverance, provision, and mercy. These acts emphasize recognizing God’s involvement in the lives of the people through worship, celebration, and dedicated offerings.
See: Exodus 15:1–21, Exodus 18:10–12, Leviticus 7:11–15, Leviticus 22:29, Numbers 7:1–88, Numbers 18:11
Wisdom Literature
Psalm 100:4 – Thanksgiving as central to worship. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!”
Note:
Gratitude in Wisdom Literature is displayed through songs and prayers of thanksgiving, praise for God’s deeds and character, public declaration of God’s goodness, offerings of thanks, and acknowledging God’s guidance and provision in daily life. These texts encourage expressing thankfulness both privately and communally, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God’s role in blessing and sustaining life.
See: Psalm 7:17, Psalm 9:1, Psalm 28:7, Psalm 30:12, Psalm 35:18, Psalm 50:14, Psalm 69:30, Psalm 92:1, Psalm 95:2, Psalm 100:4, Psalm 105:1, Psalm 106:1, Psalm 107:1, Psalm 118:1, Psalm 136:1–3, Psalm 138:1–2, Proverbs 3:6, Proverbs 15:8, Proverbs 15:33, Proverbs 16:3, Ecclesiastes 3:12–13
Prophets
Isaiah 12:4-5 – Thanksgiving as a response to God’s salvation. “Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the peoples… Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously…”
Note:
Gratitude in the Prophets is shown through songs and prayers of thanksgiving, public praise for God’s deliverance and mercy, and commitments to worship despite hardship. The prophets often model thankfulness by acknowledging God’s saving acts, restoration, and ongoing faithfulness, both personally and on behalf of the community. These expressions highlight gratitude as a response to God’s intervention and as a core part of faithful living even in times of trouble.
See: Isaiah 12:1, Isaiah 25:1, Isaiah 38:19–20, Isaiah 51:3, Jeremiah 30:19, Jeremiah 33:11, Daniel 2:23, Daniel 6:10, Jonah 2:9, Habakkuk 3:17–18
Life of Christ
Matthew 11:25 – Jesus gives thanks to the Father.
“At that time Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…'”
John 6:11 – Jesus gives thanks before feeding the multitude.
“Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them…”
Note:
Gratitude in the life of Christ is displayed through prayers of thanksgiving before meals, expressions of thanks to the Father for revelation and answered prayer, and blessing God in public settings. Jesus regularly gives thanks before significant actions—such as feeding multitudes and at the Last Supper—showing gratitude as an integral part of His relationship with the Father and His ministry. These acts model a life of thankfulness, recognizing God’s provision and presence in all circumstances.
See: Matthew 11:25, Matthew 15:36, Matthew 26:27, Mark 6:41, Mark 8:6, Mark 14:23, Luke 9:16, Luke 10:21, Luke 22:17, Luke 22:19, John 6:11, John 6:23, John 11:41
Apostles
Colossians 3:17 – Thanksgiving marks all Christian action.
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Note:
Gratitude in the Epistles and Revelation is taught and shown by the apostles through frequent prayers of thanksgiving for other believers, encouragement to give thanks in all circumstances, and instructions to make thankfulness a continual part of worship and daily life. The apostles highlight gratitude as essential for spiritual maturity and community health, often pairing it with joy and praise. In Revelation, heavenly beings continually give thanks to God for His power, salvation, and eternal reign, showing gratitude as a central response to God’s work in history and eternity.
See: Romans 1:8, Romans 6:17, Romans 7:25, 1 Corinthians 1:4, 1 Corinthians 15:57, 2 Corinthians 2:14, 2 Corinthians 9:11, 2 Corinthians 9:12, Ephesians 1:16, Ephesians 5:20, Philippians 1:3, Colossians 1:3, Colossians 2:7, Colossians 3:17, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:3, Philemon 1:4, Hebrews 12:28, Hebrews 13:15, James 1:17, Revelation 4:9, Revelation 7:12, Revelation 11:17
Early Church
Ante-Nicene Fathers:
a. Didache (late 1st or early 2nd century)
Didache 9:1-4 – Thanksgiving prayers over the cup and bread in the Eucharist: “Now concerning the Eucharist, give thanks this way… We give thee thanks, our Father, for the holy vine of David thy servant…”
b. Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35–108 AD)
Letter to the Ephesians 5 “…Let us give thanks to Jesus Christ, our God, who has bestowed such wisdom upon you.”
c. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD)
First Apology, ch. 65–67 – Thanksgiving in worship: “…bread and a cup of wine mixed with water are brought to him who presides… he gives praise and glory to the Father of the universe through the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and gives thanks at considerable length…”
d. Irenaeus (c. 130–202 AD)
Against Heresies, Book IV, ch. 17.5 “…the offering of the church, which the Lord gave instructions to be offered throughout all the world… giving thanks to God for His gift…”
Note:
Gratitude in the Ante-Nicene Fathers is taught and shown by the early church through liturgical prayers of thanksgiving at the Eucharist, personal prayers expressing thanks for salvation and daily blessings, and exhortations to live lives marked by thankfulness to God. The Fathers emphasize gratitude as central to Christian worship and community life, often linking it to love, humility, and recognition of God’s grace and providence. Thanksgiving is described as both a regular practice in gathered worship and a daily commitment for believers.
See: Didache 10:2–3, Didache 10:6, 1 Clement 38:4, 1 Clement 59:2–3, Ignatius, Ephesians 1:1–2, Ignatius, Ephesians 8:1, Ignatius, Romans 2:2, Ignatius, Smyrneans 11:1, Polycarp, Philippians 4:2–3, Justin Martyr, First Apology 65–67, Irenaeus, Against Heresies IV.18.5, Tertullian, Apology 39, Tertullian, On Prayer 29, Origen, On Prayer 33, Cyprian, Treatise V.2
Giving thanks is good theology and giving thanks is good for us. Anyone will have the benefit that comes when every day you decide to give thanks, feel grateful for what you’ve decided to give thanks for and show appreciation for what you feel grateful for. Anyone will benefit. Christians are commanded to live it.
Giving thanks is not only commended and commanded throughout Scripture—from its earliest stages to its mature expression in Christ and apostolic teaching—but it is also embedded in early Christian worship and theology, as seen in the writings and liturgies of the Ante-Nicene Fathers. Thanksgiving is good theology because it is a response to God’s revelation and gifts at every stage of redemptive history.
Have you been giving thanks lately?
Check out the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Reflections
Does this really matter?
Gratitude matters because it shifts our focus from what we lack to the blessings we have. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul reminds us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God.” This command isn’t conditional; it calls us to cultivate a heart of thankfulness regardless of our situations. By embracing gratitude, we foster a spirit of positivity that can impact not only our lives but also those around us.
Consider
Consider the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19. While all ten were healed, only one returned to give thanks to Jesus. This story illustrates that gratitude is a choice. The returning leper recognized the significance of his healing and expressed his appreciation, which highlights an essential aspect of gratitude: acknowledging the source of our blessings.
What if?
What if we made gratitude a daily practice? Imagine waking up each morning with a mindset rooted in thankfulness. This shift can change how we perceive challenges, relationships, and even our own self-worth. Gratitude opens the door to joy and peace, allowing us to see God’s hand in every aspect of our lives.
Solution
To cultivate a heart of gratitude, consider participating in the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge. This initiative encourages individuals to intentionally express gratitude daily through three simple steps:
- Decide to Give Thanks: Make a conscious choice to look for reasons to be thankful each day.
- Feel Gratitude: Allow yourself to fully experience the emotions associated with gratitude. Acknowledge the blessings, big and small.
- Show Appreciation: Share your gratitude with others, whether through verbal affirmations, notes, or acts of kindness.
Challenge / Next Steps
Embrace the challenge to transform your outlook on life. Set aside time each day to reflect on what you are grateful for and share those thoughts with others. Consider journaling your experiences over the 70 days; this will help reinforce the habit of thankfulness.
Can I pray for you?
Lord, as people embark on this journey of gratitude, I ask they remember that prayer is a powerful tool to truly feel gratitude. It’s the place we exchange our problems for your peace and our perspective for yours. I pray for a heart open to recognizing your blessings and for the desire to feel gratitude genuinely and show appreciation effectively. May lives reflect a spirit of gratitude that inspires others to do the same!
Challenges that help train you to be grateful
Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge
https://revtrev.link/thanks
Every day for 70 days, decide to feel thanks, feel gratitude for what you decided to feel thanks for, and show appreciate for what you feel gratitude for. In 21 days expect to be 10% happier. In 3 sets of 21–or 63-70 days–rewire your neural pathways so it’s easier to give thanks at all times and in every situation. I have 70 Days of reflections to help.
Live LIGHT 47-Day Negativity Fast Challenge
https://revtrev.link/fast
Every day for 47 days – Be Mindful. Be Grateful. Be Kind. Check out this link for more information. In 2026 it’s the 20th anniversary of the first Negativity Fast. We’ll be holding our first challenge over lent in 2026.
Learn more about Gratitude with these Messages and Tips and tools
How GRATITUDE can help you Love God and Love Others More https://revtrev.com/livecasts/how-gratitude-helps-you-love-god-and-others-more/
What is toxic gratitude, and what is the only way to always avoid it? http://revtrev.com/living-light/what-is-toxic-gratitude-and-what-is-the-only-way-to-always-avoid-it/
How to SPOT and STOP Toxic Gratitude https://revtrev.com/livecasts/how-to-spot-and-stop-toxic-gratitude/
Podcast – 6 Tips to Increase Gratitude https://revtrev.com/podcast/podcast-6-tips-to-increase-gratitude/
Change How you Feel With These 7 Gratitude-Building Strategies https://revtrev.com/living-light/change-how-you-feel-with-these-7-gratitude-building-strategies/
Gratitude will help bring peace to your Life https://revtrev.com/living-light/gratitude-will-help-bring-peace-to-your-life/
Why Gratitude is so important to STOP the Worry https://revtrev.com/livecasts/why-gratitude-is-so-important-to-stop-the-worry/
How to make your life better with a gratitude challenge http://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-make-your-life-better-with-a-gratitude-challenge/
7 Reasons Gratitude Benefits You https://revtrev.com/live-light-academy/7-reasons-gratitude-benefits-you/
5 things you can do to feel gratitude in troubling times http://revtrev.com/live-light-academy/feel-gratitude-troubling-times/
Check out the inside of the Live LIGHT Gratitude Journal http://revtrev.com/living-light/check-out-the-inside-of-the-live-light-gratitude-journal/
What most people won’t tell you about gratitude https://revtrev.com/live-hopeful/what-most-people-wont-tell-you-about-gratitude/
Trust God in Uncertainty https://revtrev.com/living-light/trust-god-in-uncertainty/
How the world can see Unconquerable Hope in You https://revtrev.com/livecasts/how-the-world-can-see-unconquerable-hope-in-you/
How to THRIVE and not just Survive https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-thrive-and-not-just-survive/
Can My Weary Soul Rejoice Again? https://revtrev.com/livecasts/can-my-weary-soul-rejoice-again/
Links to Gratitude Challenge Live Casts
Celebrating the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge https://revtrev.com/livecasts/celebrating-the-70-day-gratitude-challenge/
I am thankful for God’s perfect timing https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-am-thankful-for-gods-perfect-timing/
I show appreciation for what I feel thankful for https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-show-appreciation-for-what-i-feel-thankful-for/
I find strength in gratitude to stand firm in faith http://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-find-strength-in-gratitude-to-stand-firm-in-faith/
When I laugh my circumstances become more bearable https://revtrev.com/livecasts/when-i-laugh-my-circumstances-become-more-bearable/
The more grateful I am, the more reasons I find to be thankful http://revtrev.com/livecasts/the-more-grateful-i-am-the-more-reasons-i-find-to-be-thankful/
I gratefully trust in God’s promises https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-gratefully-trust-in-gods-promises/
Sunsets remind me to be thankful to God for life http://revtrev.com/livecasts/sunsets-remind-me-to-be-thankful-to-god-for-life/
I celebrate God’s generosity https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-celebrate-gods-generosity/
My life overflows with gratitude for God and appreciation of others http://revtrev.com/podcast/my-life-overflows-with-gratitude-for-god-and-appreciation-of-others/
My life is full of blessings and I am hopeful http://revtrev.com/livecasts/my-life-is-full-of-blessings-and-i-am-hopeful/
I am thankful my life is fulfilling because I am loved http://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-am-thankful-my-life-is-fulfilling-because-i-am-loved/
A humble heart is a thankful heart, a thankful heart is a humble heart http://revtrev.com/livecasts/a-humble-heart-is-a-thankful-heart-a-thankful-heart-is-a-humble-heart/
I feel gratitude for God’s wisdom and guidance https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-feel-gratitude-for-gods-wisdom-and-guidance/
I give thanks with my whole heart https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-give-thanks-with-my-whole-heart/
Testimony leads to gratitude because God is so good https://revtrev.com/livecasts/testimony-leads-to-gratitude-because-god-is-so-good/
My day begins and ends with gratitude https://revtrev.com/livecasts/my-day-begins-and-ends-with-gratitude/
A thankful heart is a faithful heart https://revtrev.com/livecasts/a-thankful-heart-is-a-faithful-heart/
My blessings from the Lord are as abundant as the stars http://revtrev.com/livecasts/my-blessings-from-the-lord-are-as-abundant-as-the-stars/
Limited resources increase my thankfulness https://revtrev.com/livecasts/limited-resources-increase-my-thankfulness/
As I count my blessings I know I am blessed http://revtrev.com/livecasts/as-i-count-my-blessings-i-know-i-am-blessed/
I appreciate my travel experiences http://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-appreciate-my-travel-experiences/
I treasure life’s little moments https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-treasure-lifes-little-moments/
I take time to reflect on my blessings https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-take-time-to-reflect-on-my-blessings/
I take small steps in life and appreciate the time I have http://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-take-small-steps-in-life-and-appreciate-the-time-i-have/
Gratitude is a sacred practice https://revtrev.com/livecasts/gratitude-is-a-sacred-practice/
I see the best in others and appreciate them for it http://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-see-the-best-in-others-and-appreciate-them-for-it/
I give thanks for 10 things I feel thankful for today http://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-give-thanks-for-10-things-i-feel-thankful-for-today/
I receive appreciation easily and with gratitude https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-receive-appreciation-easily-and-with-gratitude/
I practice gratitude daily because it’s God’s will I give thanks always http://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-practice-gratitude-daily-because-its-gods-will-i-give-thanks-always/
I have an attitude of gratitude because God is so good http://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-have-an-attitude-of-gratitude-because-god-is-so-good/
I give thanks daily for God’s presence in my life http://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-give-thanks-daily-for-gods-presence-in-my-life/
I appreciate the gratitude of others https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-appreciate-the-gratitude-of-others/
Why You Need To Have and How to Have Well Healed Wounds http://revtrev.com/livecasts/why-you-need-to-have-and-how-to-have-well-healed-wounds/
I feel gratitude for simple blessings https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-feel-gratitude-for-simple-blessings/
I express appreciation for the thoughtfulness of others https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-express-appreciation-for-the-thoughtfulness-of-others/
I experience gratitude daily https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-experience-gratitude-daily/
I experience feelings of happiness each day https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-experience-feelings-of-happiness-each-day/
I enjoy each one of the many gifts that God has blessed me with http://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-enjoy-each-one-of-the-many-gifts-that-god-has-blessed-me-with/
I create a state of generous gratitude https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-create-a-state-of-generous-gratitude/
I celebrate the small wins with gratitude and joy https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-celebrate-the-small-wins-with-gratitude-and-joy/
I can sit back and view all the wondrous things God has done for me http://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-can-sit-back-and-view-all-the-wondrous-things-god-has-done-for-me/
I sing in the shelter of His wings https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-sing-in-the-shelter-of-his-wings/
I appreciate the anticipation of new things in my life http://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-appreciate-the-anticipation-of-new-things-in-my-life/
Songbirds always start the day with a song https://revtrev.com/livecasts/songbirds-always-start-the-day-with-a-song/
I thank God for the path He has me on http://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-thank-god-for-the-path-he-has-me-on/
Another day in this world is truly a gift https://revtrev.com/livecasts/another-day-in-this-world-is-truly-a-gift/
Happiness happens when I feel gratitude https://revtrev.com/livecasts/happiness-happens-when-i-feel-gratitude/
I am so very grateful for today https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-am-so-very-grateful-for-today/
I am grateful for the blessings of God that I experience daily http://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-am-grateful-for-the-blessings-of-god-that-i-experience-daily/
I am grateful for all that I have https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-am-grateful-for-all-that-i-have/
I am full of gratitude https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-am-full-of-gratitude/
I am filled with gratitude for God today https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-am-filled-with-gratitude-for-god-today/
I am blessed https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-am-blessed/
The beauty of creation makes me feel so blessed https://revtrev.com/livecasts/the-beauty-of-creation-makes-me-feel-so-blessed/
I choose to feel blessed despite what I am going through https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-choose-to-feel-blessed-despite-what-i-am-going-through/
I kindly accept others blessing me https://revtrev.com/livecasts/i-kindly-accept-others-blessing-me/
As I humble myself before God he lifts me up https://revtrev.com/livecasts/as-i-humble-myself-before-god-he-lifts-me-up/
Gratitude transforms my life https://revtrev.com/livecasts/gratitude-transforms-my-life/