13 Bible Verses About Gratitude That Can Transform Your Heart

If you’ve ever struggled to stay thankful in hard seasons, you’re not alone. The Bible is filled with powerful verses about gratitude, showing us that thankfulness isn’t just good manners — it’s a spiritual weapon.

Gratitude is mentioned throughout Scripture because it’s vital to living a victorious Christian life. When we practice gratitude daily, we shift our focus from what we lack to what God has already done. A grateful heart opens the door to peace, joy, and deeper faith.

What Happens When Gratitude Isn’t in Our Hearts?

Our natural tendency as humans is to want more. When that happens, we begin to overlook what we already have and lose sight of God’s blessings. This isn’t new — it began in the Garden of Eden.

God gave Adam and Eve everything they needed in paradise. But one lie from the serpent made them want more.

That desire for more blinded Eve to the abundance she already had.

“The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.” -Genesis 3:6 NLT

The same can happen to us when we forget to thank God for what’s already in our hands.

Gratitude helps us see clearly. It realigns our hearts with God’s truth and reminds us that He is enough.

Why Gratitude Matters in the Christian Life

Gratitude is more than a feeling — it’s a spiritual discipline. It changes our perspective, silences comparison, and invites God’s peace into our circumstances. When we choose gratitude, we’re saying:

“God, I trust You, even here.”

A consistent attitude of thankfulness strengthens these spiritual traits:

Contentment – Learning to rest in what God has provided
Selflessness – Focusing on giving instead of getting
Courageous faith – Trusting God through uncertainty
Peace and perspective – Seeing through heaven’s lens
Joy and generosity – Overflowing from a grateful heart
Worship and prayer – Flowing naturally from thanksgiving

Let’s explore what God’s Word says about gratitude and how it can transform your heart.

Knowing the difference comes from knowing God and His Word.

It takes keeping ourselves in check and filtering our wants through the Word of God. When our want of more conflicts with God’s character or His Word, we know our “more” is one of destruction.

Above all, gratitude is a tool God has given us to fight the more of destruction. Gratitude gets our hearts right with God and aligns our thoughts with His will. It makes us remember and breathes life into the things that lead us to our God-given purpose.

So, let’s get started right where God tells us all about a grateful heart — in the Word of God!

13 Bible Verses About Gratitude That Will Change Your Heart

Gratitude Through Peace and Contentment

1.Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.

2. Colossians 3:15 (NLT)

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Gratitude Through Generosity and Sacrifice

3. 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

4. Luke 22:19 (NIV)

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

Gratitude Through Hope, Joy, and Perspective

5. Psalm 52:9 (NLT)

I will praise You forever, O God, for what You have done. I will trust in Your good name in the presence of Your faithful people.

6. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NLT)

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

7. Psalm 118:24 (NLT)

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

8. Colossians 3:17 (NLT)

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

9. Philippians 4:12–13 (ESV)

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Gratitude Through Prayer and Worship

10. Hebrews 12:28 (NLT)

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe.

11. Psalm 9:1 (NLT)

I will praise You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things You have done.

12. Colossians 4:2 (NLT)

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

13. Psalm 106:1 (NLT)

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.

How to Practice Gratitude Every Day

Gratitude isn’t automatic — it’s something we must cultivate intentionally. Here are a few ways to develop a lifestyle of thankfulness:

Start a gratitude journal.
Write down three things you’re thankful for each day — no matter how small.
Pray with thanksgiving.
When you bring requests to God, always begin with gratitude for what He’s already done.
Speak gratitude out loud.
Tell others what you appreciate about them and testify about God’s goodness.
Use Scripture to refocus your heart.
Read and meditate on Bible verses about gratitude to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness.

And if you are up for a challenge, join me for my free 21-Day Biblical Gratitude Challenge right here!

A Prayer for Gratitude

I pray these Bible verses about gratitude settle deep into your heart and change your life for the better.

Gratitude changes everything — your attitude, your outlook, and your faith. When you thank God even in the waiting, you strengthen your spiritual muscles and prepare your heart for more of His presence.

There are countless Bible verses about gratitude that remind us to give thanks in all circumstances. Which one speaks to you most today? Share your favorite verse about gratitude in the comments below!

Have you read our story of surrender?

Learn more about what living a surrendered life looks like! I share our God-story in my book and help you envision what your surrendered life could look like, too. God has written a unique story for each of us. What is yours?