Gratitude
Overview
Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation and thankfulness for blessings or benefits we have received. As we cultivate a grateful attitude, we are more likely to be happy and spiritually strong. We should regularly express our gratitude to God for the blessings He gives us and to others for the kind acts they do for us.
The Lord has promised, “He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious” (Doctrine and Covenants 78:19). Gratitude is an uplifting, exalting attitude. People are generally happier when they have gratitude in their hearts. We cannot be bitter, resentful, or mean-spirited when we are grateful.
We should be thankful for the wonderful blessings that are ours and for the tremendous opportunities we have. We can be thankful to our parents, family, friends, and teachers. We should express appreciation to everyone who has assisted us in any way.
We should thank our Heavenly Father for His goodness to us by acknowledging His hand in all things, thanking Him for all that He gives us, keeping His commandments, and serving others. We should especially thank Him for His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, for the Savior’s great example, for His teachings, for His outreaching hand to lift and help, for His infinite Atonement.
Related Topics
Scriptures
Scripture References
Scripture Study Resources
Prophets and Church Leaders
Prophets and Apostles
Other Church Leaders
Teachings of Presidents of the Church
Learning Resources
General Resources
“Gratitude,” True to the Faith
“Thankfulness,” Encyclopedia of Mormonism
“101 Scriptures Filled with Thanksgiving,” mormon.org
“Attitude of Gratitude,” mormon.org
“Why Gratitude Is the Remedy for Covetousness,” mormon.org
“Gratitude Really Does Make You Healthy,” mormon.org
“Gratitude,” For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God
“Gratitude,” Family Home Evening Resource Book
Church Magazines
“Pie-Crust Cabins,” Friend, November 2016
“A Spoonful of Gratitude,” New Era, October 2015
“My Prayers of Gratitude,” Ensign, September 2013
“Gratitude—Feel It and Live It,” New Era, June 2013
“Take a Gratitude Challenge,” Ensign, December 2011
“A Reflection on Gratitude,” Ensign, February 2009
“Web of Gratitude,” Ensign, June 2006
“The Song of Gratitude,” Ensign or Liahona, June 1993
“Sharing Time: Gratitude for God’s Creations,” Friend, July 1984
“The Magic of Gratitude,” Ensign, March 1971
Study Manuals
In the News
“The Gift of Gratitude,” Church News
“‘Helping Hands’ Inspire Hope, Gratitude in Storm Victims,” Church News
“New Young Women Leaders Express Gratitude, Hopes,” Church News
“Teach Children to Feel and Express Gratitude for Blessings,” Church News
“Thanksgiving a Time to Find Gratitude Amid Difficulty,” LDS Newsroom
“First Presidency 2012 Christmas Message: Always Remember the Savior and His Gifts to Us,” LDS Newsroom
“A Thanksgiving for Religious Freedom,” LDS Newsroom
Stories
Teaching Resources
Teaching Outlines
Media
Videos
“Highlight: Grateful in Any Circumstances—Dieter F. Uchtdorf”
“Thanksgiving Daily”
“In the Spirit of Thanksgiving”
“Because I Have Been Given Much”
“Elder Hales Talks about Gratitude”
“President Monson—On Gratitude”
“Come, Ye Thankful People”
“The Divine Gift of Gratitude”
Audio
“Gratitude,” Stories from General Conference, episode 59
“Gratitude,” The Mormon Channel Q&A, episode 5
“Gratitude,” Music with a Message, episode 9
“Gratitude for our Trials and Hardships,” Mormon Channel Daily, episode 458
“Gratitude to God Shapes Perspective,” Mormon Channel Daily, episode 459
“Showing Gratitude to God Through our Actions,” Mormon Channel Daily, episode 460
“Having Gratitude in Trials, Interview with Chris Williams,” Mormon Channel Daily, episode 886