When you boil it down, all feelings have an expression. Joy is expressed through laughter. Sadness is expressed through tears. Anger is expressed through yelling, stomping, or slamming doors.
We might think of gratitude as something we only experience inside—but like any other feeling, gratitude has an outward expression, too.
What do we do to express gratitude? We give thanks.
Gratitude Starts in the Heart
Gratitude always begins in the heart—but it’s completed when we express it.
In Luke 17:11–19, Jesus healed ten men who had leprosy. All ten men experienced physical healing, but only one came back to say thank you—showing that Jesus had not only done work in his body, but in his heart.
Without gratitude, we miss the blessings God gives us each day. And without expressing gratitude, we miss out on making God’s faithfulness known to the people around us.
How Gratitude Changes Us on the Inside
Have you heard of the practice of daily affirmations? It’s when you choose a set of positive, uplifting things to say out loud to yourself each day. “I am smart.” “I am capable.” “I am beautiful.” “I am strong.” The more we repeat those words out loud, the more we start to believe them for ourselves and internalize them as truth.
Saying “thank you” and talking about the things we’re thankful for helps to reinforce that heart posture of gratitude. Here are some mind and heart shifts that begin to happen when you start vocalizing your gratitude:
You’re Reminded of Who God Is
Every time we pause to thank God, we’re actively remembering his faithfulness. It might be the meal on your table, a friend who showed up when you needed them, or simply the breath in your lungs on a hard day. Gratitude sharpens our awareness that God is present, working, and trustworthy—even when life feels unpredictable or messy.
Your Trust in God Deepens
Gratitude keeps our eyes on the bigger story. Looking back at how God has acted in your life—how he’s provided, guided, and carried you through challenges—gives confidence that he’ll continue to show up in the future.
Philippians 4:6–7 reminds us that bringing our prayers—and our thanks—to God brings a peace that doesn’t depend on circumstances. Gratitude doesn’t erase difficulties, but it does give us steadiness and hope to face them.
You Begin to Notice More Reasons to be Thankful
Gratitude trains your attention. Think about noticing a red car on the road: once it’s on your mind, you suddenly see red cars everywhere. When you start actively looking for God’s goodness, you’ll notice it everywhere: the laugh of a child, a quiet sunrise, a small kindness from a coworker.
How Expressing Gratitude Affects Our Lives on the Outside
Gratitude isn’t just an internal shift—it changes the way we see and interact with the world.
Gratitude Transforms Relationships
Saying “thank you” isn’t just courteous—it communicates value. It shows the people around you that they matter, that their effort or presence didn’t go unnoticed. The simple act of giving thanks can turn a strained relationship into a space for trust and connection, and it can deepen bonds that are already strong.
Gratitude Shapes Our Daily Choices
When giving thanks becomes a habit, it spills into how we live. We notice others more, we act with patience, and we step up to encourage rather than criticize.
Gratitude can transform ordinary routines into meaningful moments: a family dinner becomes an opportunity to connect, a small gesture from a friend is recognized rather than taken for granted, a long commute can be a chance to reflect on what’s good.
Paul captures this well: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). Gratitude isn’t about pretending everything is fine—it’s about actively choosing to see God’s goodness and faithfulness, even when life isn’t perfect.
Practical Ways to Give Thanks Daily
Gratitude grows when we practice it. Here are a few simple ways to start:
- Start your prayers with thanks. Before asking God for anything, thank him for what he’s already done.
- Say thank you out loud. Don’t assume people know you appreciate them—tell them!
- Write it down. Jot down one thing you’re grateful for each day. Even small things count!
- Make worship a habit. Singing songs of thanks reminds our hearts of who God is and what he’s done.
Choosing to Give Thanks
Giving thanks has everything to do with gratitude. When we make giving thanks a daily habit, we begin to see more clearly how God is at work in our lives, in our relationships, and in our hearts.
So today, take a moment to pause and ask yourself: Who or what can you give thanks for today?
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