“Appreciation shouldn’t just be something we show to others because we feel like it.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 18, 2022
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
When I think about showing appreciation to others, certain people come to mind . . . people I naturally like and am drawn to, people who make it easy to show appreciation to them. But if I’m honest with myself, showing appreciation to others shouldn’t just come from a natural affinity for them, but from acknowledging who created them, regardless of how I feel about them.
Every person alive has been created by the Lord and because they are His creation they have extreme value, and this is why they deserve kindness, care—and appreciation.
Once you acknowledge someone’s value because of their position as one God made, showing appreciation becomes easier. Then, it’s not something you feel you have to do, it’s something you get to do because of who they are: a beautiful creation of the Creator. It’s something you have the honor of doing to honor the Lord.
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me’” (Matthew 25:40).
As an extension of the virtue of love, appreciation shouldn’t just be something we show to others because we feel like it.
Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
Thinking of others better than yourself can naturally lead to showing appreciation. And showing appreciation for others doesn’t have to be flashy or complicated. For example, when someone is talking to you, look them in the eye. Pay attention to what they are saying. Ask them questions to show interest. Lean in to let them know that you are engaged. Smile. Use their name when speaking to them. Listen with empathy. Say please and thank you. Compliment them publicly. Send thank you cards. Discover what their love language is and use it. When they reach out to you via text or email or by phone, don’t ignore them.
Love shown through appreciation honors God, blesses others, and blesses us too as we consider others better than ourselves.
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’” (Acts 20:35).
Prayer
Lord, help me to show appreciation for others because you love people and I love you! Amen!
Application
Show appreciation for someone you wouldn’t normally do it for today.
Related Reading
Matthew 5:43-48; John 13:34; John 15:13
Worship Resource
Steven Curtis Chapman: Fingerprints of God
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