Gathering around the BBQ is more than just sharing food, it’s a time to celebrate God’s blessings with family and friends. These 21 Bible verses about gratitude will help you reflect on His goodness, express thankfulness, and inspire meaningful conversations.
Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or a cozy evening meal, these Scriptures will remind everyone of God’s faithfulness and love. Let’s dive in!
1. Give Thanks in All Circumstances: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
This verse reminds us that gratitude isn’t just for the good times, it’s a daily attitude. Even in challenges, we can find reasons to thank God because He is always at work. Around the BBQ table, this verse encourages us to appreciate both the big and small blessings, fostering a heart of worship in every season.
2. The Lord is Good: Psalm 107:1
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."
A simple yet powerful truth: God’s goodness never fails. As you enjoy food and fellowship, this verse helps center the conversation on His unchanging love. It’s a great reminder to pause and acknowledge that every good gift, food, family, and laughter, comes from Him.
3. Peace Through Gratitude: Philippians 4:67
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Worries fade when gratitude takes over. This passage encourages us to replace anxiety with thankful prayers. Sharing this at the BBQ table can spark meaningful discussions about trusting God in difficult times while celebrating His faithfulness.
4. Overflowing with Thankfulness: Colossians 2:67
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
Gratitude should overflow from our lives like a river! This verse challenges us to stay rooted in Christ, letting thankfulness shape our words and actions. It’s a great conversation starter about how faith influences daily gratitude.
5. Every Good Gift is from God: 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."
The delicious food, the warm sunshine, the laughter of loved ones, all are gifts from God. This verse helps us recognize His generosity in everything. It’s perfect for a mealtime blessing or a moment of reflection during the gathering.
6. Singing with Gratitude: Colossians 3:16
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
Music and gratitude go hand in hand! This verse encourages worshipfilled fellowship. Maybe someone at the BBQ can lead a short song of thanks, turning the meal into a joyful celebration of God’s grace.
7. God’s Faithfulness Endures: Psalm 100:45
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."
A classic call to worship! This Psalm invites us to approach God with a thankful heart. At the BBQ, it’s a great way to shift focus from the food to the One who provides it, honoring His eternal faithfulness.
8. Contentment in Every Season: 1 Timothy 6:68
"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."
In a world that always wants more, this verse teaches true contentment. As everyone enjoys the meal, it’s a humbling reminder to appreciate what we have rather than always seeking more.
9. Gratitude Leads to Joy: Psalm 28:7
"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him."
When we trust God, gratitude turns into explosive joy! This verse is a great testimony prompt, ask everyone to share a time God strengthened them. The BBQ table becomes a place of encouragement and praise.
10. Remembering God’s Works: Psalm 77:1112
"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago. I will consider all Your works and meditate on all Your mighty deeds."
Gratitude grows when we recall God’s faithfulness. This verse inspires storytelling, perhaps each person can share a "God moment" they’re thankful for, making the gathering even more meaningful.
11. A Sacrifice of Praise: Hebrews 13:15
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that openly profess His name."
Gratitude is more than a feeling, it’s an act of worship. This verse reminds us that even in hard times, we can choose to praise God. Around the BBQ, it’s a great moment to encourage everyone to voice their thanks aloud, turning the meal into a spiritual offering.
12. Bless the Lord at All Times: Psalm 34:1
"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips."
Praise shouldn’t be reserved for Sundays! This verse challenges us to make gratitude a daily habit. As you eat together, discuss how to keep thankfulness central in both good and challenging seasons.
13. Gratitude in Community: Ephesians 5:1920
"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Fellowship and gratitude go hand in hand. This verse suggests that meals can be filled with spiritual encouragement, maybe even a spontaneous worship song or shared prayer of thanks!
14. God’s Abundant Provision: Psalm 65:11
"You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance."
A perfect verse for harvesttime BBQs! It highlights God’s generosity in nature, food, and life’s blessings. Use this to reflect on how He provides, right down to the meal you’re enjoying.
15. Thankful for God’s Guidance: Proverbs 3:56
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Gratitude grows when we recognize God’s guidance. This verse can spark stories of divine direction, ask guests to share a time God led them through uncertainty.
16. The Power of a Thankful Heart: Psalm 118:24
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
A timeless reminder to celebrate the present. Before eating, declare this together, turning an ordinary BBQ into a joyful acknowledgment of God’s gift of today.
17. Gratitude in Trials: Romans 5:34
"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Thankfulness isn’t just for the easy days. This verse invites deeper conversation about finding purpose in struggles and trusting God’s plan.
18. Remembering God’s Blessings: Deuteronomy 8:10
"When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you."
A direct call to thank God after meals! This ancient practice is a beautiful way to end your BBQ, pausing to honor Him for His provision.
19. Gratitude for Salvation: 2 Corinthians 9:15
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
The greatest reason for gratitude: Jesus! This short but profound verse shifts focus to eternal blessings, perfect for a group prayer of thanksgiving.
20. A Heart Overflowing: Psalm 9:1
"I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds."
Gratitude should be wholehearted and vocal. Challenge guests to share one of God’s "wonderful deeds" in their lives, creating a powerful testimony time.
21. Eternal Thanks: Revelation 7:12
"Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!"
A heavenly perspective! Close your gathering with this verse, uniting everyone in eternal praise, a fitting end to a gratitude filled meal.
Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.