Someone gives you a gift. It's a gift that you really enjoy. It's something you wanted, and you've been thinking about it for a while. Then, out of the blue, someone just gives it to you. You are full of appreciation. They have proven to be a thoughtful friend. They gave you this gift simply because they knew that it would bring you joy. There are no strings attached, no thought of you needing to do something to "pay them back" or anything like that.
The nature of a gift is that it is given with no thought or expectation of anything in return. I would even go so far as to suggest that, if you give a gift, you do so even without expecting a "Thank You" in reply. However, one thing that really speaks to us as humans is when others demonstrate their appreciation for kindness shown to us. When we do something kind for another, or when we give a gift, we may not expect anything in return, but a demonstration of appreciation is always welcome.
Appreciation for a gift is an "extra", if you think about it. The nature of a gift should be that it is given without any thought of return. Appreciation, in and of itself, is also a gift of grace. It isn't shown in order to make the other person more likely to give a gift again in return, nor is it given in anticipation of further favor. Appreciation is a gift that shows the meaningfulness of what was given. It is a reflection of your joy at receiving the gift in the first place, and demonstrates some degree of value that you place on the gift.
Is appreciation necessary? Well, no, in terms that a gift is supposed to be given with no thought to return. But yes, appreciation is necessary because it demonstrates the value that you place on the gift. Appreciation builds up the person who receives it. Appreciation demonstrates the connectedness that we have in Christ Jesus. Appreciation encourages further expressions of grace to flow among God's people, and even out from us to the rest of the world.
It is good and right to show appreciation. We don't show it because it merits something for us, or because we "have" to do it, but because it truly demonstrates care and love for one another. It took me a long time to realize this, and I'm very thankful to my wife for her repeated demonstration of the importance of it. So I encourage you today, show your appreciation whenever you receive from another, not because you expect something, but to show the meaning it has for you, and to build up one another in Christ Jesus.
The nature of a gift is that it is given with no thought or expectation of anything in return. I would even go so far as to suggest that, if you give a gift, you do so even without expecting a "Thank You" in reply. However, one thing that really speaks to us as humans is when others demonstrate their appreciation for kindness shown to us. When we do something kind for another, or when we give a gift, we may not expect anything in return, but a demonstration of appreciation is always welcome.
Appreciation for a gift is an "extra", if you think about it. The nature of a gift should be that it is given without any thought of return. Appreciation, in and of itself, is also a gift of grace. It isn't shown in order to make the other person more likely to give a gift again in return, nor is it given in anticipation of further favor. Appreciation is a gift that shows the meaningfulness of what was given. It is a reflection of your joy at receiving the gift in the first place, and demonstrates some degree of value that you place on the gift.
Is appreciation necessary? Well, no, in terms that a gift is supposed to be given with no thought to return. But yes, appreciation is necessary because it demonstrates the value that you place on the gift. Appreciation builds up the person who receives it. Appreciation demonstrates the connectedness that we have in Christ Jesus. Appreciation encourages further expressions of grace to flow among God's people, and even out from us to the rest of the world.
It is good and right to show appreciation. We don't show it because it merits something for us, or because we "have" to do it, but because it truly demonstrates care and love for one another. It took me a long time to realize this, and I'm very thankful to my wife for her repeated demonstration of the importance of it. So I encourage you today, show your appreciation whenever you receive from another, not because you expect something, but to show the meaning it has for you, and to build up one another in Christ Jesus.
Fitting start to October since the month is pastor appreciation month! We appreciate you.
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