Thankful by Design: How God Shapes Grateful Lives Series Day 3 – Grateful for Family

Family is one of God’s great gifts. Gratitude for our families even with all their complexities anchors us in love, belonging, and spiritual growth. Scripture encourages thankfulness not just for the blessings we receive, but for the people who share our lives, teach us endurance, and offer unconditional support.Philippians 1:3-4 (NIV):

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV):

“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.”Ephesians 5:20 (NIV):

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”Neuroscience underscores the power of gratitude within families: expressing and receiving gratitude at home strengthens relationship satisfaction, decreases stress, and builds emotional resilience. Studies even show that a habit of appreciation among family members leads to greater feelings of happiness and supports mental health for parents and children alike. Practicing gratitude for family both giving thanks for them and making sure they feel appreciated can transform even strained relationships and create a climate of encouragement and warmth (source).

God’s enduring faithfulness and love is seen in our relationships with family. Thanking God for each person, and expressing appreciation to them, is a deeply biblical practice and one that yields blessings in return.Bible Verses Philippians 1:3-4 (NIV):

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.”Psalm 100:4-5 (NIV):

“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.”Ephesians 5:20 (NIV):

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”Call to Action Reach out to a family member today—through a note, a call, or a simple text—and tell them one specific thing you are grateful for about them.Gratitude Exercise Write out your “Gratitude for Family” statement:

Today I am grateful for these family members:Say a prayer for each person, thanking God for their role in your life. If possible, share your gratitude with them directly.Learn more about gratitude and positive relationships here:

Learn more about gratitude and positive relationships here: The Neuroscience of Gratitude and Effects on the Brain