Today we will talk about bible verses about thanksgiving for children. Gratitude is a precious gift from God that helps us recognize the many blessings in our lives. For children, understanding the importance of giving thanks not only encourages a positive spirit but also nurtures their relationship with God. As we explore these verses together, let’s open our hearts to the joy that gratitude can bring. It’s an exciting journey that helps us see how much we have to be thankful for, big and small. So let us be in the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word and learn the value of thanksgiving!
Bible Verses About Thanksgiving for Children
Teaching Thankfulness
In our everyday lives, it’s important to cultivate a sense of gratitude in children. By teaching our kids to recognize and appreciate the good things they have, we are guiding them towards a thankful heart. Thanksgiving is not only a holiday; it should be a way of life! The Bible verses about thanksgiving remind us how we can encourage children to express their thanks for the wonders around them, showing them that even in difficult times, there’s always something to be grateful for.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Psalm 100:4
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” – Psalm 100:4
Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Psalm 136:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1
God’s Blessings
When we teach children about thanksgiving, it’s essential to highlight the understanding of God’s blessings in our lives. Children can learn that every good gift comes from God! These lessons help them grasp that it’s important to acknowledge where our blessings come from, which strengthens their faith and encourages a grateful outlook on life. By pointing out the multiple ways God blesses us daily, we deepen their connection with Him.
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” – James 1:17
Psalm 107:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalm 107:1
Psalms 68:19
“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” – Psalms 68:19
Matthew 5:45
“He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” – Matthew 5:45
Luke 12:6
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.” – Luke 12:6
Celebration of Thanksgiving
Celebrating thanksgiving is about more than just a meal or a holiday; it’s a special time to gather and reflect on all that we are grateful for. We can use this moment to teach children that thanking God for our blessings brings us closer to Him and helps us appreciate the love of our friends and families. Let’s make celebrations a meaningful part of the lives of our children, allowing them to join in the joy of giving thanks.
Colossians 3:16
“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.” – Colossians 3:16
Psalms 95:2
“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” – Psalms 95:2
Exodus 23:16
“Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field. Celebrate the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field.” – Exodus 23:16
1 Chronicles 16:34
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34
Deuteronomy 16:17
“Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.” – Deuteronomy 16:17
The Act of Giving Thanks
It is vital for our children to understand that giving thanks goes beyond simply saying “thank you.” It’s a beautiful act that can manifest itself in prayer, song, and even through helping others. By modeling this practice of thanksgiving, we can show children how to express their gratitude genuinely and encourage them to live in a spirit of thankfulness every day!
Psalm 30:12
“That my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” – Psalm 30:12
2 Corinthians 9:15
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” – 2 Corinthians 9:15
Psalms 116:17
“I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord.” – Psalms 116:17
Hebrews 13:15
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” – Hebrews 13:15
Psalm 92:1
“It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High.” – Psalm 92:1
Prayer of Thanksgiving
We should teach children that prayers of thanksgiving are a powerful way to communicate with God. When we express our thanks in prayer, we acknowledge God’s role in our lives and recognize that He is our provider. Encouraging our children to include thanks in their prayers helps them develop a strong relationship with God that can persist well into adulthood.
Philippians 1:3
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
Psalm 69:30
“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” – Psalm 69:30
1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” – 1 Timothy 4:4-5
Psalms 100:1-2
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” – Psalms 100:1-2
Attitude of Gratitude
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is essential for our spiritual growth and intentional living. If we can instill this mindset in our children, they will learn to approach life with positivity and appreciation. Developing an attitude of gratitude helps our children focus on blessings rather than challenges, fostering resilience and hope in their hearts.
1 Chronicles 16:8
“Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” – 1 Chronicles 16:8
Ephesians 5:20
“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:20
Psalms 103:2
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” – Psalms 103:2
Psalm 119:62
“At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.” – Psalm 119:62
Psalm 136:26
“Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:26
Gratitude in Our Actions
We believe that gratitude should also be displayed through our actions. It’s not enough to just say we’re thankful; we must show it in how we treat others and how we live our lives. Teaching children to express gratitude by helping others, sharing, and being kind will create a ripple effect of thankfulness in their communities.
Luke 17:15-16
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.” – Luke 17:15-16
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” – Proverbs 3:27
Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:10
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” – Acts 20:35
Sharing Gratitude with Others
Encouraging children to share their gratitude not only enhances their bond with God but also strengthens connections with friends and family. By guiding them to express thanks verbally and through thoughtful gestures, we teach them to spread warmth and kindness. This practice of sharing gratitude is a delightful way for them to engage with others and recognize the interconnectedness in our lives.
Psalm 119:171
“May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.” – Psalm 119:171
Romans 1:21
“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” – Romans 1:21
Revelation 7:12
“Saying: ‘Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!’” – Revelation 7:12
Philippians 4:10
“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.” – Philippians 4:10
Psalms 84:4
“Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.” – Psalms 84:4
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the beautiful verses about thanksgiving, we can see how crucial it is to instill a spirit of gratitude in our children. By grounding them in the many blessings God has given us, we encourage them to express their thanks in actions, prayers, and words. It is our role to guide them toward recognizing both the little and large things in life that warrant gratitude.
Let’s strive to help our children develop an attitude of gratitude that goes beyond simply acknowledging what they have. We can teach them to share their thankfulness with others and to express it in their daily lives through kindness and service. This marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith and appreciation for every gift from God.
In giving thanks, we teach our children to live in joy and humility, recognizing the abundance in their lives, both seen and unseen. This practice enriches not only their relationship with God but elevates their connection with the world around them. May we all continue to seek a spirit of gratitude in our hearts and lives!
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
