I wanted my kids to be thankful…to move from selfishness and complaining to a grateful heart. As I look at my daughters raise their children, I see them passing on a spirit of thankfulness. So, let’s look at why gratitude is important for your family.
In past years, I’ve shared general benefits of being thankful when I share our Gratitude Challenge. Studies show being thankful can improve your health, your relationships and your well being. But today, let’s take a more specific approach. A look at why gratitude is important to God as we look at a few Bible verses.
4 Tips & Reasons Why Gratitude is Important
God calls us to be thankful at all times.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:18
We often wonder what God’s will is for us. We pray for guidance. In this verse, God spells it out: always be thankful.
No matter if you’re walking in a valley or on a mountaintop, we should give thanks. As a family, you can keep a family gratitude journal. When your kids are going through tough times, pull out the journal and read some of the things you were thankful in the past.
Gratitude builds humility and contentment.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” —1 Timothy 6:6
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” —James 1:17
When we teach our kids to be thankful for what they have, it takes their eyes off themselves and moves them to God. Everything we have is from Him, so thank Him. When we thank God for what we have, it reminds us we are totally dependent on God, thus humility grows. Being thankful can include:
- Material things – house, car, toys, books
- Relationships – parents, siblings, friends, God Himself
- Experiences – vacations, clubs, fun activities
- Trials – Teach your kids to be thankful for what they have, even in the midst of trials.
Being thankful deepens our relationship with God (& others)
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” —Psalm 100:4
God wants to hear your words of thanks as you come to Him. Although we didn’t do this when our kids were growing up, you might start your day with a word of thanks. Go around the breakfast table or your morning time to let each person say one thing they are thankful for.
Finish your day with the same thing. At the dinner table or at bedtime, let everyone have a chance to say one thing they are thankful for. I’ve been doing this with my grandkids at bedtime when I’m with them. It starts their prayer on gratitude, not a long list of “wants”.
Gratitude guards your hearts from worry.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” —Philippians 4:6
When we are anxious, or our kids are worried about something, go to God. Tell Him what’s on your mind. Not only share your worries, but share your thanks. When you pray with a thankful heart, God gives you peace and protects you from more anxiety.
This is true for kids, as well. When they are worried and anxious, stop what you’re doing and pray with them. Read your family or child’s gratitude journal again to remind them that God is faithful.
Check out these videos to give you more practical, actionable steps.
Gratitude starts with paying attention. Our 30 Day Gratitude Challenge can help your kids notice the little things to be thankful for each day.
Many years ago, when my life was unraveling, I decided I didn’t want to get stuck in negativity. So, I began focusing on the positive, writing down at least three things each day in a gratitude journal. Some days it was hard. That’s why I created this Gratitude Challenge—to make it easier to build thankfulness into every day.
Now, I notice small gifts from God, like getting green lights all the way home. After the second or third light, I found myself thanking God for each one. It was a small thing, but it reminded me how much my mindset had changed. I trained my mind to notice and appreciate even the smallest blessings.
How to Start the Challenge with Your Children
Skip the research and start simple—with a meaningful Bible verse. Here’s an easy approach:
- Choose a Verse Together
Pick one of the Bible verses above and discuss it with your children. - Write It Down
Have each child copy the verse onto an index card. - Memorize as a Family
Practice saying the verse together each morning at breakfast. - Begin the Gratitude Challenge
Now, let your kids start the 30 Day Gratitude Challenge. Why 30 days? Studies show it takes about a month to build a new habit. So, let’s commit to giving thanks daily for 30 days and make gratitude a natural part of your family’s routine.
FREE Challenge
To make it easy for you, I created a simple 30 Day Gratitude Challenge printable calenders for your family. Give each person their own copy. At dinner or bedtime, let your kids write down something they’re thankful for each day. The calendar has plenty of space for daily reflections, helping everyone make gratitude a daily habit.
