When someone did something good for you and to you, what will your natural response be? You would not ignore him, right? Instead, you would utter a word of thanks to him, giving him your appreciation. In the church, for those who are serving in various ministries, whether as an usher or a sound crew or a support singer, the head of these ministries would hold an appreciation lunch for those who are serving in that particular ministry. On the third Sunday of the year, we would have all those serving in various ministries in the Four Pillars (see the True Way website) to stand so that the Elder in charge of that Pillar will pray for people serving in those ministries under that Pillar. So, we already have in place such kind of appreciation rendered to those who are serving. In contrast, individually, are we exercising this attitude: “appreciation” to each other in the Community of Believers at True Way?
Recently, someone shared a video done wonderfully by Faith Methodist Church showing and expressing their appreciations to the health care professionals, the operations staff, the immigration officers or someone working on the frontlines. I was encouraged and amazed by the encouraging words that they uttered in the video. The amazing thing was that the pastor of Faith Methodist Church encouraged their worshippers to forward this video to those whom they know, who are working in the frontlines courageously attending to the COVID-19 situation and crisis.
In the Scriptures, we can also see a situation of an appreciation given to someone. Let us look at the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19 ESV ~ “Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers.” In verses 15 and 16, it was mentioned that “Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.” This leper, having being healed by the Lord Jesus, returned to express his appreciation to the Lord Jesus for healing him. See how Jesus responded to his appreciation: “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Jesus continued by saying: “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” The Lord Jesus was very pleased with this leper who was appreciative of the miraculous work done in his life.
The thought of this word “appreciation” has often been on my mind. I recalled those who prayed for me or those who are my intercessors, I sent them a word of appreciation, expressing my thanks to them for upholding my family, me and my ministry in prayers while I am serving here at True Way. Some years ago, I had texted my second brother expressing my appreciation to him for bringing me to Christ. He was the one who shared the Gospel of Christ to me and that very night, I knelt beside my bed and uttered the Sinner’s Prayer, receiving Jesus Christ into my life as my Lord and Saviour. I also did express my appreciations to those who supported me financially during those times while serving at CEF Singapore and currently, those who occasionally gave me love gifts at True Way, especially during festive seasons.
So, my brothers and sisters in Christ, let us acknowledge others’ good intentions, good advices, good gestures and good deeds, etc. done to and for us by giving our sincere appreciations to each one of them either personally through verbal expression or directly through sending them an email. May we be the kind of worshipper and believer in Christ whom the Lord is pleased with! Amen.
