Gratitude: Why Giving Thanks Is the Key to Our Well-Being - Hardcover

by Cornelius Plantinga (Author)

Outreach 2025 Resource of the Year (Christian Living)

"This worthy meditation on an essential state of being uplifts without sugarcoating."--Publishers Weekly

What is gratitude? Where does it come from? Why do we need it? How does it change us?

In Gratitude, award-winning author Cornelius Plantinga explores these questions and more. Celebrating the role of gratitude in our lives, Plantinga makes the case that it is the very key to understanding our relationships with one another, the world around us, and God.

Going deeper than mindfulness and positive psychology, Plantinga explores gratitude in a theologically informed and pastorally sensitive way. He shows that being grateful to God is not only our righteous duty but also the single best predictor of our well-being. Gratitude makes us more faithful, joyful, generous, healthy, and content.

While it's easy to focus on the suffering, fear, and worries that surround us, Plantinga places all of that in the larger context of provision, abundance, and delight, empowering readers to experience the deep joy of giving thanks.

Back Jacket

"A treasure of pastoral wisdom on a signature virtue of the Christian life"

What is gratitude? Where does it come from? Why do we need it? How does it change us?

Award-winning author Cornelius Plantinga explores these questions and more in Gratitude. Celebrating the role of gratitude in our lives, Plantinga makes the case that it is the very key to understanding our relationships with one another, the world around us, and God.

"Plantinga compellingly blends science and Scripture in shedding new light on 'the greatest of the virtues.' He sensitively argues that gratefulness is not merely a veneer of positive thinking but rather a deep and abiding sense that goodness dwells under the rancor and heartache of daily life. A master storyteller, he makes a convincing case for why gratitude, in good times and in bad, is the best approach to life!"
--Robert Emmons, editor in chief of The Journal of Positive Psychology; author of Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier and The Little Book of Gratitude

"A treasure of pastoral wisdom on a signature virtue of the Christian life. Plantinga is a master preacher, and it shows: this book seamlessly combines readability and rich insight. Readers will be grateful for the gift of this book and the way it teaches us a grateful way of life."
--Rebecca DeYoung, professor, Calvin University; author of Glittering Vices

"While reading this book I found myself mentally preparing the sermon series that I will no doubt be preaching on its account. It is a treasure, and all people--pastors and parishioners, people of faith and people not of faith--would be well advised to read it. Trust me, you'll be grateful that you did."
--Austin Carty, pastor and author of The Pastor's Bookshelf: Why Reading Matters for Ministry

Author Biography

Cornelius (Neal) Plantinga (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is senior research fellow at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and president emeritus of Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the author of many books, including the Christianity Today Book Award winners Not the Way It's Supposed to Be, Engaging God's World, and Reading for Preaching. He is also the author of Under the Wings of God: Twenty Biblical Reflections for a Deeper Faith and Morning and Evening Prayers.