10 Bible Verses for Moms Trying to Instill Gratitude in Their Kids
As a parent, teaching your kids to be thankful can be challenging. You work hard every day to show them how important it is to be appreciative and grateful, knowing these values shape how they view and respond to the world.
Turning to Bible verses can be a helpful and encouraging resource. These wise words not only teach important lessons but also guide you with divine support. So here are 10 Bible verses to help you nurture a thankful spirit in your kids, making your journey of teaching gratitude more focused and filled with faith.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.”
When teaching your kids to be thankful, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 is a great verse to start with. It tells us to give thanks in every situation because it’s what God wants for us in Jesus. This helps your kids find joy and contentment no matter what happens.
Encouraging your children to be thankful in all things helps them see the good in both happy and hard times. By practicing this at home, they can become stronger and feel closer to God, knowing He has a plan for their lives.
Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.”
Let the peace of God guide your heart, as Colossians 3:15 suggests. This peace isn’t just for moments of calm but a constant guide in your actions. As you’re called to unity, embrace a spirit of gratitude.
Teach your children that this peace can be their steady support, and encourage them to find something to be thankful for every day. Gratitude shapes how they see the world, and when your heart is full of gratitude, it naturally spreads to your family, helping your kids learn these values.
Philippians 4:6
“In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
You might find comfort in Philippians 4:6, which tells us not to worry but to bring our concerns to God with prayer and gratitude. By doing this every day, your children will see you praying and being thankful, even during tough times. They’ll learn to face challenges with a positive attitude and faith.
Encouraging your kids to talk to God about their needs and say thank you can bring them peace and contentment. It shows them that gratitude isn’t just for good times but for trusting God in every situation.
Psalm 107:1

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.”
Psalm 107:1 reminds us of the importance of gratitude by highlighting God’s enduring love and kindness. This verse can help instill a sense of thankfulness in your kids, showing them how to appreciate the good in their lives and recognize the continual presence of God’s compassion.
By focusing on God’s goodness and His unwavering love, you can teach your children to express gratitude for everything in their lives, big or small. With this verse, you’re laying a foundation of appreciation and reverence that will guide them in recognizing His benevolence throughout their lives.
Ephesians 5:20
“Give thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father.”
Teaching gratitude can be life-changing, and Ephesians 5:20 is a great reminder. It tells us to always give thanks for everything, recognizing God’s presence in our lives. By doing this, you show your children that gratitude isn’t just for good times but for all moments.
When you practice this, your kids learn to appreciate both the small blessings and the challenges. They begin to see life with thankfulness and trust in God. Encourage them to say what they’re thankful for each day, and you’ll be helping them grow hearts full of gratitude and faith.
James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow.”
James 1:17 reminds us that every good thing in our lives comes from our loving and steady Father. By teaching your kids this, they’ll learn to see their daily blessings as gifts from Him, given out of love, not because they are deserved.
When they understand this, they’ll develop a thankful attitude. They’ll see that every good thing, big or small, is from a caring and constant Father. This helps them appreciate and be grateful for their blessings every day.
Psalm 136:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.”
Our next verse, Psalm 136:1, reminds us to thank the Lord for His never-ending love and kindness. This verse is a great way to teach your kids to appreciate His constant goodness and build a foundation of gratitude.
Teach your children to express their gratitude daily, especially in moments of challenge or difficulty. When they see your faith and hear you speak of God’s everlasting love, they’ll learn to find comfort and joy in the simple act of giving thanks.
Colossians 2:7
“Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.”
Stay strong in our faith and be filled with thankfulness, as Colossians 2:7 teaches. By showing gratitude in your daily life, you set a great example for your children. Your strong faith helps guide them to live with appreciation and positivity.
When you are rooted in your beliefs and show gratitude in everything you do, it naturally affects your children. They learn from your example and see how important it is to be thankful for both big and small blessings.
1 Chronicles 16:34
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.”
First Chronicles 16:34 shows how good the Lord is. It talks about His endless kindness, which gives us a great reason to be thankful every day. Sharing this with your children helps them understand that His blessings are generous and always there.
Teaching them about God’s unwavering goodness helps them develop a thankful heart. They start to notice and appreciate the everyday gifts and the steady love of God. This verse shows them that saying thanks is not just for happy moments but for the love that is always with us.
Psalm 118:24
“This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!”
For our last verse, it reminds us that every day is a gift from the Lord, meant to be enjoyed with joy and thankfulness. As a mom teaching your kids these values, this verse encourages you to be a role model of gratitude.
When you show thankfulness for the day the Lord has given you, your kids learn that happiness comes from a choice, not just from what’s happening around them. This helps them see the good in each day and find reasons to be thankful, creating a lasting habit of gratitude.