Gratitude From A Biblical Perspective

There has been many articles and books written about the virtue of gratitude. The word 'gratitude' appears in many books relating to leadership, team building, raising a family, and is even referenced in self-development, well-being and healthcare books. Scholars, spiritual leaders, and scientists throughout history have deliberated on this human virtue of gratitude.

Whilst some secular examples of gratitude are noted below, this essay will focus on the religious, specifically Biblical aspects of this virtue.

On the importance of gratitude in leadership, John Maxwell (author, speaker and pastor) teaches that gratitude helps leaders eliminate self-defeating traits and provides a broader perspective on their roles. Maxwell says, by fostering an attitude of gratitude, leaders can enhance their influence and create a more positive environment for their teams. This perspective encourages leaders to recognize and appreciate the contributions of others, which in turn strengthens relationships among their peers and teams, and promotes a culture of appreciation within organisations.

Gratitude is often taught to children as an essential aspect of their overall development. From a teaching perspective, instilling gratitude can help children cultivate a positive mindset and foster supportive relationships. The Health Centre NZ website reports, "Gratitude empowers children to focus on the present moment and appreciate what they have, rather than constantly yearning for more. This sense of contentment can lead to increased happiness and a greater overall sense of wellbeing."

Quote on being grateful with what you already have (unknown author)

The Positive Psychology website stated that scientifically-validated benefits of gratitude have been better understood through the work by researchers Robert Emmons (Professor of Psychology, University of California) and Martin Selegman (psychologist, educator and author). They say that the virtue of gratitude is more than just saying, "thank you." Emmons defines gratitude as “an affirmation of the goodness in one’s life and the recognition that the sources of this goodness lie at least partially outside the self.”

Studies reported in the Positive Psychology website have shown how recording gratitude experienced or received in a journal can increase a person's happiness. Other studies have also shown that inflammation in a person's body can decrease which offers insights in how a person can improve their overall health and well-being through positivity and being grateful in life.

Gratitude is a universal human virtue that also appears in sacred religious writings. However, the basis, the object, and purpose of gratitude differ significantly between faith groups. This essay will be exploring the differences in a few mainstream religions, however as a person of Christian faith, my emphasis will explore the distinctive nature of gratitude from a Biblical perspective.

The cases mentioned in the introduction of this essay were focused on the non-spiritual aspect of man, whereas, in the John Maxwell's case, gratitude is about an organisational culture having strong relationships to achieve corporate goals. While the second case focused on developing happiness and contentment, and a positive mindset among children. The third example, viewed from a psychological perspective, recognizes that gratitude is a factor that can improve one's physical and mental health.

Quote from Bill Graham on the spirit of thankfulness

In Christianity, the virtue of gratitude is the acknowledgment and acceptance of God's grace, especially the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. In Christian terms, grace can be defined as 'unmerited favour' or God’s favour toward the unworthy. In Scripture it speaks that in God's grace God is willing to forgive us and bless us, even though as humans we fall short of righteous living and are by nature sinful. Christians are called to give thanks even during suffering because God is sovereign and works through trials. For believers, gratitude is a lifestyle and not just a feeling.

In Judaism, the Hebrew Scriptures (which Christians call the Old Testament) are filled with thanksgiving. These include thankfulness to Jehovah God for covenant (the binding agreement/s between God and man), creation, deliverance, and His faithfulness.

In Islam, gratitude (shukr in Arabic) is a profound recognition of Allah’s generosity and mercy and regarded as more than a polite gesture. The Quran emphasizes that those who are grateful will have their blessings increased.

In Hinduism, gratitude is a fundamental part of Hindu philosophy and is deeply embedded as a vital virtue and often tied to the concept of "Dharma" (duty and righteousness) and "Karma" (actions and their consequences). Gratitude is attributed to various deities, teachers or gurus, parents and the gifts of life.

In Buddhism, while not directed as worship to a creator God, gratitude is given to the Buddha, teachers, parents and all beings. Gratitude focusses on having a deep appreciation and understanding of the interconnectedness of all life.

While many world religions encourage gratitude, the Christian Bible presents several distinctive themes.

1. Gratitude is rooted in God's grace.

Christians give thanks not because they have earned God's favour, but because the free gift of salvation for humankind's sinful nature was given by God through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul who wrote to the church in Ephesus in Ephesians 2:8-9 stated, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Quote from Bill Graham on gratitude

2. Gratitude is commanded in every circumstances.

Being thankful for something acknowledges the blessing. Being thankful to someone acknowledges the relationship with the one who gave the blessing. The Bible teaches believers to give thanks not only for blessings but also in times of hardship. Jeremiah 17:7-8 encourages believers to trust in God for his blessings, "Blessed is the one who trust in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

3. Gratitude begins with knowing who God is.

Knowing God involves understanding His attributes, such as love, justice, and mercy. As stated in the Book of Hosea 6:6, "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings," emphasizes the importance of knowing God over mere rituals. Because believers acknowledge that God is love, that God never fails and His faithfulness continues through all generations, they can sing as the psalmist writes in Psalm 100:4-5, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praises; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever."

4. Gratitude is centred on a personal relationship with God.

Christians are thankful to God who knows them, loves them, whose Holy Spirit, who is present in believers, has acted throughout history through Jesus Christ. Knowing God is not just an intellectual exercise for believers; it is about developing a personal relationship with Him. As Christians grow in their understanding of who God is, believers' faith and trust in Him deepen. In our modern contemporary culture, the expectation is if you have more, you will be happier. However, Scripture teaches that if we know Christ, we already have enough; Colossians 2:10 "And you have been made complete in Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority."

5. Gratitude is expressed through obedience.

Thanksgiving is not merely words but expressed in a transformed life of worship and service. Here's a statement of the apostle Paul from Romans 12:1, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service."

6. Gratitude expressed in prayer produces peace.

The Christian believes that peace in mind and spirit does not come after everything is solved. Peace comes with the believer trusting in God. Philippians 4:6-7 expounds this thought, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present you request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

For the Christian believer, gratitude is not based on perfect circumstances but based on God who is perfect. It is said that the Christian's greatest reason for gratitude is not health, family possessions or success, but is based on the life-giving Word of God, found in the Bible.

Here are three practical ways to grow gratitude from a Biblical perspective.

1. Every morning ask: "What has God already given me today?"

2. Every evening ask: "Where did I see God's faithfulness today?"

3. Instead of asking: Why don't I have ...? Ask: "What has God already entrusted to me?"

Mother Teresa said, "The best way to show my gratitude to God is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy."