“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
bible verses about being humble and thankful
Embracing Humility
Humility is a quality that often gets overlooked in our busy lives. It’s about recognizing our place in the grand scheme of things and understanding that we are not above others. When we embrace humility, we open ourselves up to genuine connections, love, and compassion. Scripture teaches us that God looks favorably upon those who are humble. Being humble allows us to appreciate the blessings we receive and fosters gratitude within our hearts. We can always strive to reflect on how we can be more humble in our actions, thoughts, and words. Through humility, we become more thankful for the gifts we’ve been given, both big and small.
Proverbs 22:4
“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” – Proverbs 22:4
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
James 4:6
“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'” – James 4:6
Luke 14:11
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11
Thankfulness in All Circumstances
Thankfulness is more than just saying thank you; it’s about cultivating an attitude of gratitude in every situation we find ourselves in. The Bible teaches us to give thanks in all circumstances because of the impact gratitude can have on our hearts. Building a foundation of thankfulness helps us focus on the good and see God’s hand in our lives during both challenging and joyful times. When we remember to express our gratitude, we are reminded of God’s blessings and become more humble as we recognize that all we have is a gift from Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15
Psalms 107:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalms 107:1
Psalms 100:4
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” – Psalms 100:4
Ephesians 5:20
“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Ephesians 5:20
The Power of Gratitude
When we express gratitude, we open ourselves up to a realm of blessings. A grateful heart does wonders for our spirit and our connection with God. Thankfulness allows us to see the beauty in our lives and fosters community and connection with others. When we focus on what we are thankful for, we cultivate an outward expression of our faith and humility. This can help strengthen our faith, deepen our relationships, and lift our spirits. Embracing gratitude is a powerful practice that brings us closer to understanding God’s love and grace.
2 Corinthians 9:15
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” – 2 Corinthians 9:15
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Psalms 118:29
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalms 118:29
1 Chronicles 16:34
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34
Humility Before God
Humbling ourselves before God is an essential aspect of our faith journey. It means recognizing that God is sovereign and that we are dependent on His grace and mercy. When we approach God with a humble heart, we acknowledge our weaknesses and sins, relying on His strength to guide us. This dependency fosters a deep sense of gratitude as we realize that we cannot do life on our own. In humbling ourselves, we create space for God’s love and guidance, which strengthens our relationship with Him and reinforces our resolve to live out our faith.
Psalms 25:9
“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” – Psalms 25:9
Isaiah 57:15
“For this is what the high and exalted One says – he who lives forever, whose name is Holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the hearts of the contrite.'” – Isaiah 57:15
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3
Psalms 51:17
“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” – Psalms 51:17
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2
Sharing Our Thankfulness
Thankfulness is not meant to be kept to ourselves. When we express our gratitude openly, we inspire others and remind them of God’s blessings in their lives as well. Sharing our thankfulness is a beautiful way to build community and strengthen relationships. It can uplift friends, family members, and even strangers, helping them realize the goodness surrounding them. In a world that can sometimes focus on the negative, let us be the voice of gratefulness, sharing the joy that comes from recognizing God’s grace in our lives.
Psalms 105:1
“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.” – Psalms 105:1
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17
Revelation 11:17
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.” – Revelation 11:17
1 Timothy 4:4
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” – 1 Timothy 4:4
Hebrews 12:28
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” – Hebrews 12:28
Living Out Our Thankfulness
Being thankful goes beyond just words; it’s about living our lives in a way that reflects our gratitude. When we recognize all that God has done for us, our actions should naturally reflect that thankfulness. Living out our gratitude may involve helping others, offering kindness, or simply sharing our time and resources. By being a channel of God’s blessings, we show our appreciation for what we have received. Our lives can serve as a testament to what it means to live humbly and gratefully.
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'” – Matthew 25:40
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
2 Corinthians 5:15
“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” – 2 Corinthians 5:15
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on the importance of being humble and thankful, we find that these two virtues lead us closer to God. Living humbly allows us to see our own limitations while embracing the love surrounding us. Thankfulness helps us appreciate everything we have, even in tough times. These qualities not only enrich our lives but inspire those around us. As we grow in humility, we recognize our need for God and express our gratitude by serving others and sharing His love.
Let us remember each day to cultivate both humility and thankfulness as we navigate through life’s ups and downs. By doing so, we honor God and positively impact our communities, helping to shine His light wherever we go.
For more inspiration, you might enjoy reading about joy and thankfulness or explore definitions of joy and gratitude. Each step we take towards a grateful heart can change the world around us.