Devotional Guide, Today’s Reading Wednesday January 4, 2022

Comment: Marriage Counsellors say that “when appreciation is neglected to be expressed, people start to assume that deeds are expected and the joy of serving others is lost.” One will find one’s partner asking questions like: Did I do everything wrong? Did I only do wrong in your eyes? Do I only trouble you? Was I bad? What can I do better? Consequently, relationships will start to deteriorate and in the place of what used to be love one will begin to find faults, blame, and problem after problem. Neglecting to show appreciation is thus regarded as emotional abuse that could “drive a sensible person crazy”.

Husbands should learn to be appreciative of the efforts of their wives in caring for the home; wives should be grateful for what their husbands have done and are doing for them: likewise, children should be thankful to their parents for the sacrifices they are making in nurturing them and giving them education, both spiritual and secular. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Such appreciation encourages each party to do more both for the immediate family and to the community. (Proverbs 27:17) Verbal expression is one of the best forms of appreciation for kind, nice, or thoughtful actions done for one. They include such expressions as, “Thanks so much.” Or, “That sure meant a lot to me.” Or, “Thank you.” Or, “I really appreciated that.” With these words you are showing that you appreciate and that he or she makes or had made a difference in your life. This makes your relationship grow stronger and more intimate. Scripture says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” – Colossians 3:15.