Thanks giving
Scripture teaches that thanksgiving is a vital part of our relationship with God, expressing gratitude for His blessings, provision, and faithfulness. Both the Bible and Book of Mormon emphasize giving thanks in all circumstances, recognizing that every good gift comes from our Heavenly Father. Thanksgiving isn't just about moments of abundance, but a lifestyle of recognizing God's hand in our lives.
Relevant Scripture
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
This verse shows that thanksgiving is God's will for us in every situation, not just when things are going well.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
— Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV)
This psalm teaches us that thanksgiving is the doorway to worship and reminds us of God's eternal goodness and faithfulness.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
— Colossians 3:15-17 (NIV)
Paul connects thanksgiving with peace, community, and making Christ central in everything we do.
Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
— Alma 37:37 (Book of Mormon)
Alma teaches his son that beginning each day with a thankful heart leads to divine guidance and eternal blessings.
I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you, and has caused that ye should rejoice, and has granted that ye should live in peace one with another—I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants.
— Mosiah 2:20-21 (Book of Mormon)
King Benjamin reminds us that even our ability to give thanks is a gift from God, and we can never fully repay His goodness.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
— Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
This verse shows how thanksgiving, combined with prayer, brings supernatural peace even in anxious times.
A Prayer for This
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging that every blessing in our lives comes from Your loving hand. Help us to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving not just in moments of abundance, but in all circumstances, trusting in Your goodness and faithfulness. May our lives be marked by gratitude that draws us closer to You and blesses those around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
