The Christian life is all about relationships. Think about the people you have in your life (right now and in the past) and what they mean to you.
REMEMBER YOUTH RETREATS?
If you’ve ever been to youth summer camp, you probably know the drill. Everybody packs into a dimly lit room, where there’s a candle (or maybe a ball of yarn) that is passed from person to person. Each person tells the next why they’re special. When the yarn has made its way around the room, and it’s all said and done, the bonds between the people in the room will have grown deeper just because a few simple words of appreciation were said.
Yet that sense of unity doesn’t have to end when the retreat ends. A sincere show of appreciation can be offered anytime and it’s one of the best gifts we can give someone. It’s a way of letting them know that they matter to us, that we value them, that they’re important. And everybody likes to hear that. Everybody craves that.
SHOW APPRECIATION
The Bible tells us to show appreciation for others. In Philippians 2:29, Paul says to the Philippians concerning his buddy, Epaphroditus, “Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard.” In other words, show that you appreciate him, encourage him, because he deserves it!
There’s not a right or wrong way to show appreciation for someone, but it needs to be genuine. Look for good in other people and express appreciation in real and meaningful ways. This will bless both of you and strengthen your relationship. This works with friends; it works with your wife!
THE BOTTOM LINE
At the start of this New Year, look for an opportunity each today to show appreciation to someone. It’s the sort of thing that once we do it, the more we want to do it.
Perhaps you want to show your appreciation to someone. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Completely out of the blue, give them an unexpected gift.
- Drop them an encouraging e-mail.
- When you go out to lunch, pick up the check.
- Give your friends a date night with their spouses by watching their children.
- Send a Hallmark Card, or a Dayspring Greeting.
- Make a donation to their favorite charity.
- If you’re given a unique opportunity, take your friend along for the ride.
- Thank them publicly for what they’ve meant to you.
- Brag on the characteristic that blesses you the most.
- Show how you care through some random act of kindness.
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