Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:2-11
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy.”—Philippians 1:3-4
A deacon in our congregation who worked for a funeral home, observed that people said wonderful things about the deceased at their funeral; too late for the person to hear the praise. So, regularly, he encouraged others to say whatever needed to be said to the people in their lives while they were alive to hear the tributes.
The deacon’s counsel brings to mind Paul’s epistle to the church at Philippi, a letter filled with words of praise, appreciation and encouragement. We hear only one side of the conversation, but Paul’s tone and the content of the letter tell us this congregation had shown genuine love and respect for the Apostle. They had been partakers in his suffering, supporters in his time of need, and encouragers in his moments of despair. Paul had seen his labor of love take root and become fruitful in this young congregation and he responded with a recurring theme throughout the letter, “I love you and I appreciate you!”
Those who support us, inspire us, bear burdens with us, invest in us, and even lovingly correct us, need to know what they do is recognized and appreciated. Encouragers need encouragement also. They need to know they make a difference; that their labor of love is not in vain, but instead, bears fruit. Our words of support and acts of kindness are seeds that inspire them to be a source of continued encouragement to us and others.
That deacon in our congregation is now deceased himself. But I recall him speaking words of praise and encouragement to me during dark and troubling moments. Quietly, he said to me the same thing Paul said to the church at Philippi, “…He who has begun a good work in you will complete it…” just keep pressing. That deacon’s teaching point is one worth repeating and replicating again and again. Tell someone who has made a difference in your life, “I love you and I appreciate you!” Those words will make a difference in their life!
Question to Ponder: Have you told someone who has made a difference in your life, they made a difference in your life? Why not?
“Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.”—Ephesians 1:15-16
