17 Inspiring Gratitude Quotes {+ FREEBIES!}

In the world we live in today, it is all too easy to take on an “everyone’s lucky but me” attitude. It takes courage to decide not to let the world’s standards dictate our contentment level. Then it takes consistent intentional effort to get into an attitude of gratitude and stay in it.

Here are some gratitude quotes from some well-known Christian influencers that can help inspire us to adopt a more grateful heart posture.

{Stick around ’til the end for the free gratitude bundle!}

Contents

Quotes on Being Grateful During Hard Times

“No matter how choppy the seas become, a believer’s heart is buoyed by constant praise and gratefulness to the Lord.” John MacArthur

I defintely feel the truth in this quote by John MacArthur! During trying times, reflecting on and praising the goodness of God truly can help us have joy in the storm.

“No matter what our circumstances, we can find a reason to be thankful.” Dr. David Jeremiah

"God is in control, and, therefore, in everything I can give thanks — not because of the situation but because of the One who directs and rules over it." – Kay Arthur Click To Tweet

“Gratitude exclaims, very properly, ‘How good of God to give me this!'” C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis is one of the most widely read Christian authors and full of inspired wisdom, like this quote about gratitude and the gifts of God.

“Even when life may be difficult, we should thank God for all He has done for us — which we do not deserve.”
Billy Graham

Another quote about being grateful for the many undeserving things God gives us and does for us, this time from the beloved Billy Graham.

Quotes on Showing Gratitude to God

“For one who has made thanksgiving the habit of his life, the morning prayer will be, ‘Lord, what will you give me today to offer back to you?'” Elisabeth Elliot

Elisabeth Elliot is such an inspiring woman and missionary! She knows that everything we have is God and that to steward it well, we must give it back to Him with a spirit of gratitude.

"God doesn't want us to just feel gratitude, but for us to show it by giving thanks to God with our lives." – R.C. Sproul Click To Tweet

Our very lives are a precious gift from God. What better way to thank Him for this gift than to offer it back to Him to do with as He sees fit. Our obedience and willingness to surrender to Him is a way to show Him that we are grateful for each day He gives us and the blessings that fill those days.

“Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.” A.W. Tozer

A.W. Tozer is so eloquent with words, and this quote is no exception. It just goes to show that we don’t have to be rich to be grateful, as so many people seem to think these days.

Quotes on How to Be More Grateful

“Thanksgiving with the mouth stirs up thankfulness in the heart.” John Piper

I guess this is the “fake it until you make it” gratitude quote. LOL! But it’s still true; sometimes when we’re feeling discontent, if we look around and name things we’re grateful for, it can help turn our discontentment into gratitude.

“Gratitude begins where my sense of entitlement ends.” Steven Furtick

Ouch! This one stings a little. The attitude of entitlement seems to be an epidemic among the younger generations of the Western hemisphere these days. The feeling that one deserves something not received can easily lead to discontentment and general haughtiness. When we realize that we don’t actually deserve anything but death, we can more easily see and be grateful for all we have been given.

“Gratitude looks to the past and love to the present; fear, avarice, lust and ambition look ahead.” C.S. Lewis

Another wise post from C.S. Lewis. And how true it is! When we look at the past and recognize the good things we have been blessed with and see the merciful hand of God at work in our lives, it becomes obvious that we have so much to be grateful for.

More Gratitude Quotes

“The heart that is constantly overflowing with gratitude will be safe from those attacks of resentfulness and gloom that bother so many persons.” A.W. Tozer

Oh my goodness, is this one accurate or what?!? I’ve definitely seen it in action in my life and the lives of others!

“Gratitude is what you feel, thanksgiving is what you do.” Tim Keller

What a simple way to define the difference between gratitude and thanksgiving. We give thanks when we feel grateful!

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” G.K. Chesterton

Here’s another well-spoken auther of old who liked to add a bit of whimsy to his words. This quote makes me smile! Happiness doubled by wonder…*giggle*

“It is always possible to be thankful for what is given rather than to complain about what is not given. One or the other becomes a habit of life.” Elisabeth Elliot

Like Elisabeth Elliot says in this quote, we can easily slip into the habit of complaining about what we don’t have. But we can adopt a spirit of thankfulness if we only put forth a little effort and thought. We ought to be very careful about which habit we allow to take root!

“Great things flow from a heart of gratitude.” Andy Stanley

“Gratitude is a decision of the will, and if a decision of the will, the choice resides squarely with us. Deciding to be thankful is no easy task. It takes work.” Chuck Swindoll

Yep to this one. Like I said before, it takes courage to make the decision to be grateful when the world around you is constantly telling you you don’t have enough or aren’t enough or haven’t accomplished enough. But where there’s a will there’s a way!

So, which one of these gratitude quotes is your favorite? Or do you have another one you’d like added to the list? Comment below and let us know!

Free Gratitude Bundle

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Catch ya’ later,