Deserving of Praise
Appreciation Series
“We want our sacrifices, however great or small, to be acknowledged and honored…”
“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.”
Explanation:
At this point in his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul pours his heart out to the Macedonian Christians in appreciation. He is in awe of what God is doing through them. Despite being very poverty stricken themselves, the Macedonian church has a burden for service – radical service – despite their dire financial circumstances. He holds them up as a shining beacon of what the fruit of the Gospel looks like, and commends their dedication to the cause of Paul’s mission. What’s more, the Macedonians gave in keeping with God’s will, and thus uses their example to encourage the Corinthian church – who were wealthy – to contribute more abundantly to his cause.
Connection:
It's no secret that relationships come with requirements. It entails open communication and a willingness to make sacrifices for the relationship to flourish. While there are certainly differences in the ways these things are expressed, there are some common themes with all relationships. Everyone wants to feel valued and appreciated. We want our sacrifices, however great or small, to be acknowledged and honored. Unfortunately, we often feel unappreciated - and this is true for all types of relationships. From the workplace, to marriage, to parenthood, we all have a need to feel valued and respected.
But we also have something working against us. Often times we get so wrapped up in our own needs that we forget that nobody is perfect at showing appreciation. In fact, if we look back to our first parents, we can see that Adam and Eve were unappreciative of the many gifts that God had bestowed upon them. Not being content to rule over creation according to God's command, they valued the serpent's lies over the security God himself provided. Their lack of value of the word of God showed their preoccupation with their own glory - a glory they would have received if they had followed God's commands. Thus, there is in us something that is very sensitive to feeling valued. Created in God's image, we are made with dignity and integrity, and are of infinite value. It is sin that keeps us from being able to perceive this value - and to value others properly. God has resolved that he would not leave us this way.
In the person of Christ, God himself has been lifted up on the cross, so that all may see their value in his suffering. In this divine death, God has cleansed our hearts and made them new. As Paul says of the Macedonian church, God's free gift of grace overflowed - expressed in joy, generosity, and hospitality all in appreciation and thanksgiving for the gift of eternal life In Christ Jesus our Lord.
Action:
Show Gratitude -
Psalm 100 declares, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name" (v. 4). We should therefore at all times and in all places give thanks to God - praising him in thought, word, and deed. Like the Macedonian Christians, our good works will shine like a city on a hill and bring glory to God in heaven, and promote reconciliation and appreciation in our relationships with one another.
Journal -
Speaking of the Psalms, one of the best ways of showing appreciation for God is to keep a prayer journal. The Psalms may be thought of as King David's personal prayer journal, set to music. Like David, we too can keep a journal of the many things that God has blessed us with - things that we can offer back to God in thanksgiving and praise. Journaling is a great way to order your thoughts and gain perspective on all that God has done for you and those you love.
Care For Others -
Paul was overjoyed and amazed at the care he received at the hands of the Macedonians. They had given all they had, and then some, to Paul's ministry out of love for God and the Gospel. Notice that he tells us that they first gave themselves to God - but through his will took care of everyone through them. Partake in this same spirit of giving with the Macedonians, that we might express our gratitude to God through service to others.