“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
– Luke 6:31
 We often forget that the human soul is fragile and should be handled with care. Even the toughest individuals have fragile souls. Many of them have experienced hurt or faced life’s challenges, and often, as I mentioned before, they just need a friend and to be treated with respect. Here’s another way to win people over as “fishers of men”: offer honest and sincere appreciation. Jesus says in Luke 6:31, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” We call this the golden rule. Why? To be honest, if you treat people the way they deserve to be treated, life will go better for you. Some of the greatest human desires are to be appreciated, recognized, respected, admired, and to feel like you are making an impact.Here’s what you can do: Whenever you encounter something special, interesting, extraordinary, or inspiring, say it out loud! It feels wonderful. I do this every day, much to the chagrin of those around me. I enjoy expressing my appreciation because it benefits me. It’s uplifting to tell an artist, “That’s a beautiful painting,” or to applaud a talented musician. By reinforcing positive behavior, you’ll attract positive outcomes in return!
Friend, it’s important to express gratitude to others, even when they only fulfill their responsibilities. Often, we hesitate to thank someone for doing what they’re expected to do because we worry they might think it’s optional. When you see your spouse or children washing the dishes or completing their chores, take a moment to say thank you. Similarly, when a coworker accomplishes a task they were supposed to do, offer sincere thanks. Showing appreciation is a beautiful gesture that brightens someone’s day and encourages a positive environment, drawing others closer to the Kingdom of God! |
Prayer
Father, help me remember what a blessing it is to express gratitude for both myself and the person that I thank.
Reflection
How do you express appreciation to others? How does this draw people to the Kingdom of God?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
Gratitude and Forgiveness bring peace and joy. Amen.