APPRECIATION!

Romans 16:1-16 NASB

I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea, [2] that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well. [3] Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, [4] who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; [5] also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. [6] Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. [7] Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsfolk and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding in the view of the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. [8] Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. [9] Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. [10] Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. [11] Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. [12] Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord. [13] Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. [14] Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters with them. [15] Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. [16] Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

Saying thank you is great, courteous, and required! As important as thank you is, it’s limited. It simply is a response to a particular event or experience, often expressed by saying “thank you” to someone, as demonstrated by the tenth leper who returned to say thank you to the Lord in Luke 17.

Gratitude is a general appreciation of life and reflects on positive, meaningful differences. It carries a more profound sense of emotional gratitude, while being thankful is more immediate and situational. Appreciation, on the other hand, is all-encompassing.

Appreciation and gratitude are related emotions that involve recognizing and acknowledging the value or benefit received from someone or something. Appreciation is often associated with recognizing the qualities, skills, or efforts of someone or something, while gratitude is more focused on feeling thankful and expressing appreciation for the kindness, help, or support received. In other words, appreciation is about recognizing the worth or significance of someone or something, while gratitude is about feeling and expressing thankfulness for the positive impact they have had on one’s life. Both appreciation and gratitude play important roles in fostering positive relationships and cultivating a sense of contentment and happiness.

We see how many people Paul appreciated for their contribution to his ministry, particularly the body of Christ and the church of God generally. Appreciation is recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something because of the increased value of their presence or contribution. Whatever we do is successful because others worked alongside us, with those things they have that we don’t but needed for the vision, and we must appreciate them for these. This is something the Lord Jesus did, and Paul emphasized fully in our text.

We never know who the Lord will put along with us, but it’s never going to always be people like us, as we see from Paul’s list. Paul closed off the book of Romans with this extensive list of men, women, couples, Jews, Gentiles, and believers who made his ministry and life easier. He appreciated them all as co-labourers and contributors to his ministry and kingdom, working hard for the Lord.

We are a generation of entitlement, expectations, and takers. We want what we want and expect others to do, give, and go for us without ever thinking of the effect on them. We see this unfortunately within the church and ministry. People get used for their skills, gifts, talents, and calling without a word of thanks, appreciation, or concern for their welfare. This should not be. Paul went to great lengths to teach us this and showed us how.

We can appreciate people in any way—verbally, materially, financially, and spiritually—but let them know you appreciate them and how much. We cannot appreciate the Lord God for what He does for us when we cannot appreciate those closest to us.

Naaman, a commander of the Syrian army in 2 Kings 5:1-19, was healed of leprosy by following the prophet Elisha’s instructions. In gratitude, Naaman returned to Elisha and offered gifts, acknowledging the power of the God of Israel.

The Bible sees appreciation, gratitude, or thankfulness as a debt that must be paid, as declared in Romans 13:7: “Render to all men their dues. [Pay] taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, and honour to whom honour is due.” Our obligation should be extended to those whom we owe a debt of gratitude, honour, and respect.

We must endeavour to recognize good works and acknowledge the efforts and good works of others as pivotal in fostering a supportive community, as 1 Thessalonians 5:13 states: “And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”

Make appreciation a way of life and express it always as needed.

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for all those you’ve surrounded me with, may I learn to honour and appreciate them for all they do in my life in Jesus’ name, amen.

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SHALOM