Giving thanks is something we often forget about until certain holidays on the calendar remind us. But as Christians, we are called to a life of thanksgiving and gratitude. Not only is it important for our spiritual health, but God designed us so that our mental and emotional health also benefits! 

The blessing that thanksgiving provides outside of just our quiet times with the Lord reminds us that His commands are for our good...our whole being's good!  Here are some New Living Translation Bible verses to inspire a spirit of gratitude in us all.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Chronicles 16:34

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

2 Corinthians 9:11

Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

Colossians 3:16

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

Luke 22:19

He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”