Posted by Becoming a parent is truly an amazing experience in life. Although there may be challenges along the way, the joy and wonder that come with raising a child make it all worth it. There are Bible scriptures that can guide us on how to show gratitude towards our parents.
Parents are blessings to their children. They are responsible for guiding and teaching them. One of the biggest battles parents face is raising their kids because you wouldn’t want them to turn out wayward or live a life that doesn’t please God.
Most parents want to have grateful kids. And there are lots of ways we can try to help our children be transformed from feeling entitled to having a thankful heart. One of the things we focus on as Christian parents is helping them memorize God’s word.
The Understanding of Gratitude and why we should incorporate it into our Daily Lives
Gratitude is a transformative practice that can profoundly impact our health and well-being. By consciously acknowledging the blessings and positive contributions of others in our lives, we cultivate a mindset of appreciation and contentment.
Taking just a few minutes each day to reflect on the good things that have happened and express gratitude for them can have a ripple effect, enhancing our overall sense of happiness and fulfillment. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering resilience and positivity even in the face of challenges.
Gratitude involves two key components: first, acknowledging that something beneficial or positive has occurred, and second, recognizing the role played by someone or something in bringing about that positive outcome. This source of gratitude can range from specific individuals in our lives to the wonders of nature, to a higher power or divine entity, depending on one’s beliefs and values.
By cultivating a mindset of gratitude, we not only enhance our own well-being and satisfaction but also strengthen our connections with others and deepen our sense of meaning and purpose in life. Gratitude serves as a powerful force for fostering positivity, and overall happiness.
Why we must Show Gratitude Towards our Parents
Showing gratitude towards our parents goes beyond mere words of thanks; it embodies a profound appreciation for the love, sacrifice, and support they have provided throughout our lives. Parents play an invaluable role in shaping who we are, nurturing us with care and dedication from our earliest moments.
Often, their tireless efforts and selfless acts of love can go unnoticed or underappreciated. However, as we mature and gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices they’ve made for us, it becomes increasingly important to express our gratitude to them.
Whether through heartfelt conversations, acts of kindness, or simply spending quality time together, showing appreciation to our parents strengthens our bonds and acknowledges the immense impact they’ve had on our lives. Gratitude towards our parents not only honors their contributions but also fosters deeper connections and a sense of belonging within our families.
Examples of Some Characters in the Bible Who Showed Gratitude
The following is an example of some characters in the Bible that showed an act of gratitude:
- King David: David wrote the Psalms, where he talked about how grateful he is to God. Even when he was at his lowest point.
- Hannah: Hannah was one of Ephraim’s wives, she cried out to God in prayer, and because of her faith, God gave her Samuel. She responded with great thanksgiving and gratitude acknowledging that her son was from God.
- Daniel: King Darius, threatened Daniel because he didn’t want to worship other gods. Still, Daniel gave thanks and worshipped God endlessly.
- Paul: He was known for persecuting Christians. But after experiencing a change of heart, he became a humble and grateful person to God.
- The sinful woman: Jesus was eating with the Pharisees, when a sinful woman showed up, brought a precious alabaster jar of expensive perfume, kissed Jesus’ feet, and washed them with her hair and perfume. She showed an act of worship and gratitude to Jesus.
Bible Verses About Gratitude to Parents
The following is a list of Bible scriptures about gratitude to parents:
- 1 Corinthians 1:4
- 1 Chronicles 16:28
- Philippians 1:3
- Proverbs 17:6
- Deuteronomy 5:16
- Psalm 128:5-6
- Matthew 5:16
- Malachi 4:6
- Ephesians 6:1
- 2 Corinthians 6:18
- Colossians 3:15
- Psalm 9:1
- Psalm 69:30
- Ephesians 5:20
- James 1:17
- Colossians 4:2
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
- 1 Timothy 4:4-5
- 1 Chronicles 16:8
- Exodus 20:12.
These Bible scriptures are from the Good News version and will provide a better understanding of the importance of showing appreciation.
1.) 1 Corinthians 1:4
“I always give thanks to my God for you because of the grace he has given you through Christ Jesus.”
Note: We must always show gratitude to our parents for their unending love and support towards us, just like how we give thanks to God for the grace he has given to us.
Showing gratitude to our parents makes them happy, so we must always appreciate them for all their efforts.
2.) 1 Chronicles 16:28
“Praise the LORD, all people on earth, praise his glory and might.”
Note: Just as the way we give praises to God, we must ensure to always give thanks to our parents for their guidance and support towards us.
Our parents are blessings to us, they always have our interests at heart. So we must learn to always appreciate them.
3.) Philippians 1:3
“I thank my God for you every time I think of you.”
Note: We must give thanks to God always, because of our parent’s unending love towards us, and also for their teachings and discipline when we do wrong. Our parent’s love for us is immeasurable and unconditional.
4.) Proverbs 17:6
“Grandparents are proud of their grandchildren, just as children are proud of their parents.”
Note: Just as our parents are proud of us, we also as children must be proud of our parents because they do a lot for us to ensure we don’t make mistakes.
5.) Deuteronomy 5:16
“Respect your father and mother, as I, the LORD your God, command you, so that all may go well with you and so that you may live a long time in the land that I am giving you.”
Note: By honoring our parents, we not only ensure a long and happy life but also set an example for future generations to follow. So let us embrace the power of respect, and strive to make it a cornerstone of our lives, both now and always.
6.) Psalm 128:5-6
“May the LORD bless you from Zion! May you see Jerusalem prosper all the days of your life! May you live to see your grandchildren.”
Note: God’s promise to us is that he will bless us, and we will prosper in everything we do, when we respect and show gratitude to our parents. Showing gratitude towards our parents brings blessings to us.
7.) Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your father in heaven.”
Note: Our characters as Christian children must always define who we are in Christ so that people will see the good works of God in our lives.
8.) Malachi 4:6
“He will bring fathers and children together again; otherwise I would have to come and destroy your country.”
Note: Unity brings peace and harmony to a home. As children, we must maintain good bonds with our parents and also show gratitude to them.
9.) Ephesians 6:1
“Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do.”
Note: It is our duty as children to obey our parents because it is the right thing to do, and also what God wants from us. It pleases God when we obey and respect our parents.
10.) 2 Corinthians 6:18
“I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.”
Note: Our parents will always be there for us, during our hard, and also good times, just like the way God will never leave nor forsake when we call upon him.
11.) Colossians 3:13
“Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else.”
Note: Be tolerant, and learn to forgive your parents when they hurt you, just as God forgives us when we sin against him.
12.) Psalm 9:1
“I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the wonderful things you have done.”
Note: Show gratitude to your parents for all the wonderful things they’ve done for you, for it will gladden their hearts.
13.) Psalm 69:30
“I will praise God with a song; I will proclaim his greatness by giving him thanks.”
Note: We must always learn to show gratitude to our parents, not just by actions alone, but also with our voices, they’ll appreciate it.
Our parents are always there for us, during our hard times. We must appreciate them for all the good things they do for us.
14.) Ephesians 5:20
“In the name of our LORD Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.”
Note: Give thanks to God always for everything he has done. And also show gratitude to your parents always for their consistent love towards you.
15.) James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the creator of the heavenly light, who does not change or cause darkness by turning.”
Note: Our parents are gifts to us from God, they guide and protect us from danger. So we must always show gratitude to them.
16.) Colossians 4:2
“Be persistent in prayer, and keep alert as you pray, giving thanks to God.”
Note: Learn to pray always, especially for your parents, by giving thanks to God for the gift of a father and mother.
17.) 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.”
Note: Be thankful always, because this is what God wants from us. We must always learn to show gratitude for all the things our parents have done for us because they deserve it.
18.) 1 Timothy 4:4-5
“Everything that God has created is good; nothing to be rejected, but everything is to be received with a prayer of thanks because the word of God and the prayer make it acceptable to God.”
Note: Everything our parents do for us must be appreciated by a word of thanks, just as we always thank God for the things he does for us.
19.) 1 Chronicles 16:8
“Give thanks to the LORD, proclaim his greatness; tell the nations what he has done.”
Note: Expressing gratitude towards your parents for their efforts is much more valuable than complaining. They always have your best interests at heart and deserve to be acknowledged for their hard work.
20.) Exodus 20:12
“Respect your father and mother, so that you may live a long time in the land that I am giving you.”
Note: It is necessary to understand that your parents are a true blessing in your life, and therefore, you must always treat them with the utmost respect.
By doing so, you not only show gratitude for all they have done for you but also pave the way for a long and fulfilling life. Remember, respecting your parents should be a top priority, and it’s something you should never compromise on.
FAQ
What does the Bible say about a heart of gratitude?
A heart of gratitude rejoices before God. It is humble in praise, and it always recollects the past of what God has done.
What are the spiritual benefits of gratitude?
Gratitude enables us to see the hand of God guiding our lives. It strengthens our will to keep his commandments. The reward is knowing that God is with us, guiding us through life's challenges.
What are the negative effects of not showing gratitude towards our parents?
1. You develop an unhealthy ego 2. You invite wrong kind of friends 3. You fuel an attitude of entitlement 4. You breed discontentment.
Why is it important to show gratitude to our parents?
Showing gratitude towards our parents brings happiness, fosters meaningful relationships, it strengthens our positive emotions and makes us less self centered.
What are some effective ways we can express gratitude to our parents?
1. Taking care of them 2. Calling them regularly 3. Celebrating special occasions together 4. Spending time with them 5. Surprising them with gifts.
Conclusion
The Bible emphasizes the importance of honoring and showing gratitude towards our parents. One notable verse is found in the Ten Commandments in (Exodus 20:12) which says, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
This commandment shows the significance of honoring and respecting one’s parents as a moral and spiritual duty. This verse not only states the importance of honoring parents but also emphasizes the promise of blessings that come with such obedience.
These verses highlight the biblical perspective on gratitude to parents, promoting the idea that honoring and expressing appreciation towards our parents is not only a cultural and social virtue but also a commandment with spiritual significance.
Expressing gratitude to our parents is a wonderful gesture. Whether through words or actions, let them know how much we appreciate their love and support.
