Gratitude

The Lord has promised, "He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious" (D&C 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.

—See True to the Faith (2004), 78–79

• "Gratitude and Thanksgiving"

  Marion G. Romney, Ensign, Nov. 1982, 49–51
  Commandments . . . put us under a solemn obligation to develop gratitude and the spirit of thanksgiving. We should be thankful and express appreciation for all of our blessings.

• "Gratitude"

  Steven E. Snow, Liahona, Jan. 2002, 49–51; or Ensign, Nov. 2001, 43–44
  Gratitude may be increased by constantly reflecting on our blessings and giving thanks for them in our daily prayers.

• "An Attitude of Gratitude"

  Thomas S. Monson, Liahona, May 2000, 2–9; or Ensign, Feb. 2000, 2–7
  We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude.

• "Gratitude"

  Gordon T. Watts, Liahona, Jan. 1999, 99–100; or Ensign, Nov. 1998, 83–84
  Joy and happiness are born of gratitude.

• "Gratitude as a Saving Principle"

  James E. Faust, Liahona, Dec. 1996, 2–7; or Ensign, Dec. 1996, 2–6
  A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. . . . It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being.

• "Gratitude for the Goodness of God"

  Robert D. Hales, Ensign, May 1992, 63–65
  Gratitude is a state of appreciation, an act of thanksgiving, which causes us to be humble because we recognize an act of kindness, service, or caring from someone else which lifts us and strengthens us.

• "Remembrance and Gratitude"

  Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, Nov. 1989, 11–13
  Remembrance is the seed of gratitude which is the seed of generosity. Gratitude for the remission of sins is the seed of charity, the pure love of Christ.

Search Church magazines for content related to this topic.

• "Thankful, Thanks, Thanksgiving"

  Guide to the Scriptures

• "Developing Gratitude"

  The Latter-day Saint Woman: Part B, Lesson 35

• "Gratitude"

  For the Strength of Youth, 6

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