Appreciation is the recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone, and its root means setting a value on a thing. Thankfulness is owed first to God, and believers should let others know their kind acts are valued. Appreciation flows from humility, since God opposes the proud but favors the humble (James 4:6). Esteeming others better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3), we value their effort, sacrifice, and service, whereas pride cannot. Gratitude promotes unity, peace, and oneness, because every member of the Body needs the others (I Corinthians 12:12-20). Neglecting thanks darkens and hardens hearts (Romans 1:20-21), but gratitude cements our relationship with God, who appreciates our thanks and draws us near to Him. In everything, give thanks (I Thessalonians 5:16-18). Also see sermons and articles about Appreciation.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Malachi 3:16-17 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him."
Romans 1:21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Proverbs 13:10 By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised iswisdom.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
Matthew 6:22-23 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
