Giving thanks to God is incredibly important for several reasons according to the Bible. First, giving thanks to God is an act of worship and obedience. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” God commands us to give thanks as part of living a life that is pleasing to Him. When we thank God, we are acknowledging that He is good, sovereign, and the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17). We are agreeing with His purposes, His plans, and His provision. Giving thanks is essentially saying, “God, I agree with who You are and how You choose to operate in my life and in this world.” That’s worship!
Second, giving thanks to God realigns our perspective. When we give thanks, our focus shifts from what we don’t have, what’s going wrong, and how we’ve been mistreated to the blessings God has given us, His presence with us, and His goodness despite the circumstances. Regular thanksgiving literally changes how we see life, helping us recognize just how much we have to be grateful for. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul encourages giving thanks in all circumstances. He doesn’t say to give thanks for all circumstances but rather in all circumstances. This subtle change in preposition makes a big difference. When we give thanks in all circumstances, we release our expectation that life must be easy or perfect before we can be grateful. We acknowledge that no matter what, God is good, and there are blessings to be thankful for.
Third, giving thanks to God is healthy for us. Studies show that gratitude is beneficial for physical and mental health. People who regularly practice grateful thinking have been shown to be more optimistic, have lower blood pressure, strengthen their immune systems, and even sleep better than those who don’t (Harvard Medical School, 2022). God made our minds and bodies to thrive when we remain aware of and thankful for the good in our lives rather than focusing solely on the negative. Of course, God does not command us to give thanks solely for the health benefits. He commands it because it is right and pleasing to Him. However, God designed thankfulness to bless and nourish us too.
Fourth, when we give thanks to God, we reflect His character. In 1 Chronicles 16:34, we read, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” God’s goodness and eternal, steadfast love for humanity shine through all He does. When we thank Him, we imitate His goodness and love as we shine the light back on Him. We become more like our heavenly Father as we develop an attitude of gratitude. God delights in seeing His children follow His example. Additionally, our thankful hearts and words about God’s work in our lives can spur others around us to give glory to God as well.
Fifth, giving thanks to God combats pride in our lives. It is easy to take credit for the good things in our lives – intelligence, health, prosperity, a loving family, a job promotion. But in truth, every good gift comes from the Lord (James 1:17). When we give thanks, we rightfully acknowledge that all we have has been given to us by God’s grace. This smashes our pride and tendency toward self-glorification. It reminds us we can take credit for nothing good, but only thank God for blessing us. The act of giving thanks ensures God receives the glory He deserves for all He has done.
Sixth, giving thanks to God and being grateful for what He has given guards our hearts from greed and envy. When we thank God for His current provision and blessings in our lives, we are less likely to spend our time wishing for what others have or what more we could have. Gratitude leaves little room for greed or jealousy to take root. An attitude of thanksgiving keeps us content with what we have been given for this season of life. The apostle Paul stated that godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). Thankfulness leads to godly contentment as we keep our focus on the Giver rather than the gifts.
Seventh, giving thanks to God is an antidote for grumbling and complaining. The Israelites in the Old Testament often grumbled and complained about their circumstances rather than trusting God (Exodus 16:2, Numbers 14:2). As recounted throughout Israel’s wandering in the wilderness, this attitude of ingratitude angers God. It shows a complete lack of faith in His goodness and provision. In contrast, giving thanks squashes complaining. Thanking God for what we do have and trusting His goodness for what we are lacking breeds hope rather than discontentment. Thankfulness and complaining cannot occupy the same space.
Eighth, when believers in Christ give thanks to God, it serves as a witness to unbelievers. Nonchristians are watching the reactions of Christians during difficulties. When we respond to trials with praise and thanksgiving rather than shaking our fists at God, it shows the world that our faith is real and God’s goodness is unshakable. Our deep gratitude in the midst of pain displays the supernatural working of the Holy Spirit within us. Seeing Christians practice unexpected thanksgiving draws unbelievers to seek this God who gives inner peace and comfort even in turmoil.
Ninth, gratitude to God leads us to be generous with others. 2 Corinthians 9:11 says, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.” When we recognize that all we have comes from the Lord, we are compelled to use it generously in service to Him. Thankfulness opens our hands and hearts to lavish God’s blessings on others. Gratitude leads directly to radical generosity. Everything we enjoy has been given to us by God, so who are we to withhold it from others in need?
Tenth and finally, giving thanks to God for all His gifts brings Him joy. God wants His children to delight in His goodness and celebrate His provision. He takes pleasure in our gratefulness because it aligns us with His will and heart for us. God loves to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11). When we thank Him for those gifts, we join with Him in His desire to see us blessed and joyful. Our joy in God’s generosity amplifies His own joy. Thanksgiving brings our hearts into unity with the One who provides all things for us.
In summary, giving thanks to God is vital because it is an act of worship, realigns our perspective on life, benefits us physically and spiritually, reflects God’s character, combats pride and greed, guards against complaining, serves as a witness to unbelievers, increases our generosity, and brings joy to God’s heart. God wants thanksgiving and gratitude to flow from the hearts of His children. As we grow in giving praise and thanks to God, we grow in faith, humility, contentment, and love.
