Ingratitude or unthankfulness is a sin that the Bible warns against many times. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about having an ungrateful spirit and heart:
Examples of Ingratitude in the Bible
There are several examples in Scripture that illustrate ingratitude:
- The Israelites often complained and were ungrateful for God’s provision and deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 16:2-3, Exodus 17:3, Numbers 11:1, Numbers 14:2-3)
- The Pharisees did not thank Jesus for healing 10 lepers, only one returned to glorify God (Luke 17:11-19)
- The wicked servant buried his talent instead of investing it and was rebuked for being lazy and ungrateful (Matthew 25:14-30)
These examples show us the seriousness of having an ungrateful heart and how much it displeases God.
Ingratitude is a Sin
The Bible is clear that ingratitude or failing to thank God is a sin. Here are some verses that indicate this:
“Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened.” (Romans 1:21)
“But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy.” (2 Timothy 3:1-2)
“Do not deprive one another—except by mutual consent for a time, so that you may have an opportunity to devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again; otherwise, Satan may tempt you due to your lack of self-control. I say this to give you guidance, not as a command. I wish that all of you were as I am. But each has his own gift from God, one this and another that. Now to the unmarried and the widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:5-11)
“You are ungrateful snakes! How will you escape being condemned to hell?” (Matthew 23:33)
These verses indicate that ingratitude is a wicked attitude of the heart that leads to further ungodliness.
Benefits of Gratitude
On the other hand, the Bible encourages us to have a heart of gratitude. When we are thankful, it reflects the nature of God and brings blessings to our lives. For example:
- Being grateful to God helps us to focus on Him rather than our circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:6-7)
- Gratitude brings joy and encouragement (Psalm 100:4-5, Colossians 2:7)
- Giving thanks is God’s will for us, it flows from a spirit-filled life (1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:20)
- Thanking and praising God together glorifies Him and builds up the church (Psalm 35:18, Psalm 100:4-5)
Living with an attitude of gratitude brings glory to God, blessings to us, and benefits our relationships with others. It reflects the Gospel in our lives.
How to Develop Gratitude
Since ingratitude is a sin we all struggle with, how can we cultivate a spirit of thankfulness? Here are some tips:
- Pray – Ask God to reveal areas lacking gratitude, ask for a grateful heart
- Keep a journal – Writing down blessings helps us reflect on what God has given
- Count your blessings – Name specific things you are grateful for, don’t take anything for granted
- Give thanks always – Make gratitude a daily habit (Psalm 34:1)
- Say thank you – Express thanks to others for their kindness and God’s provision
- Serve with joy – Use your gifts to serve, which develops gratitude
As we intentionally pursue thankfulness, we will be less prone to complaining, pride, and bitterness. Our hearts will reflect God’s goodness and grace.
Ingratitude Leads to Sin
When we are not thankful, it leads to further sin. Ingratitude breeds dissatisfaction, bitterness, anxiety, and complaining. Consider the following consequences when we fail to thank God:
- We become self-centered and proud, feeling entitled to blessings (Romans 1:21)
- It leads us into immorality and futile thinking (Romans 1:21-22)
- Forgets God’s past faithfulness and provision (Psalm 78:11, 106:13)
- It robs God of glory that belongs to Him (Romans 1:21)
- Leads to covetousness – we always want more (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
In everything, we are to rejoice and be content, this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Complaining and ingratitude contradict His design and only lead to more sin.
God Deserves Our Gratitude
More than anything, cultivating thankfulness starts with remembering all God has done for us. God created us and this world we inhabit. He meets all our needs – food, clothing, shelter, relationships. Ultimately, Jesus died for our sins so we could have eternal life and fellowship with God (Romans 5:8).
God did not have to do any of this, but He chose to out of His mercy and grace. As Creator of all, He deserves our honor, praise, and thanks. We are called to glorify God with our lives (1 Corinthians 10:31). Gratitude is a major way we fulfill this calling.
Knowing all the blessings we do not deserve, how can we not be thankful? Recognizing this will protect us from the temptation towards ingratitude and complaining.
Jesus’ Example of Giving Thanks
As Christians, one of our best examples in cultivating gratitude is to look at Jesus. Though He left the glories of heaven and deserved all honor and praise, Christ humbled Himself for our sakes (Philippians 2:5-8). Not only that, Jesus actively gave thanks during His earthly life:
- Jesus gave thanks at the Last Supper before His crucifixion (Matthew 26:27)
- He gave thanks before feeding the 5000 (Matthew 15:36)
- Thanked God for revealing truth to His followers (Matthew 11:25)
- Thanked God for hearing His prayers (John 11:41)
Considering the horrific death on the cross that awaited Him, Jesus’ spirit of gratitude is remarkable. If Christ gave thanks in all circumstances, how much more should we cultivate thanksgiving in our comparatively easy lives? Jesus set the example for us.
Express Gratitude Especially in Hard Times
Its easy to thank God when things are going great – when we have our health, family is doing well, job is secure. Yet when adversity strikes, gratitude often disappears. However, God is just as worthy of praise during trials as when life is smooth sailing.
The Bible and Jesus’ example show us that expressing thanks during suffering is powerful. Gratitude shifts our focus from the hardship to God’s presence and remind us of His faithfulness. Hard times also remind us how dependent we are on God’s grace.
No matter what circumstances we face, God is still sovereign, good, and working all things for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). Even in the midst of affliction, we can thank God that He will get us through and be glorified. Gratitude in trying times reflects remarkable faith.
Prayers of Thanksgiving in the Bible
Throughout Scripture, there are many examples of prayers and songs that express thanksgiving to God. Reading and praying these can help cultivate gratitude in our own hearts.
Here are a few thanksgiving-themed prayers from the Bible:
- David prays, giving thanks for God’s goodness and faithfulness (Psalm 26:7, Psalm 28:7, Psalm 30:4)
- The Levites sang praises of thanks to God for His eternal mercy (1 Chronicles 16)
- Daniel gave thanks to God when his prayers were answered (Daniel 2:23)
- Jonah thanked God for his deliverance from the belly of the great fish (Jonah 2:9)
- Paul urges the Colossians to overflow with thankfulness to God (Colossians 2:7)
- The Book of Psalms is filled with many thanksgiving songs and poems
Studying these verses help us reflect on God’s blessings and offer gratitude in response. They provide wonderful examples to incorporate in our own prayer life.
An Unthankful Heart Grieves the Holy Spirit
A lack of gratitude not only harms us, but grieves God’s Spirit living inside believers. God loves us so deeply and sacrificed greatly so we can know Him. When we spurn His gifts through ungratefulness, it breaks His heart.
Ephesians 4:30 says, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Complaining and ignoring what God has done for us essentially tramples on His grace.
Though we cannot lose our salvation, a bitter ungrateful spirit stunts our intimacy with God. He yearns for His children to receive His blessings with joy and thanksgiving. We should actively fight against ingratitude out of love for our Heavenly Father.
Cultivate Thankfulness for a Joyful Life
At the heart level, gratitude is a choice. We can choose to fixate on problems and dwell on what we lack. Or we can choose to be thankful, even when life is hard. This biblical perspective brings joy, strengthens our faith, and relieves anxiety.
Gratitude flows from a spirit of humility. It recognizes that every good gift comes from above, from the Father of Heavenly Lights (James 1:17). When we forget this, negativity and entitlement often creep in.
As believers, we are called to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). God wants us to actively cultivate gratefulness in our daily lives, not just during the Thanksgiving holiday. As we intentionally thank God, our faith will grow and peace will rule in our hearts.
