“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Radical gratitude means walking through life being grateful in every situation, no matter what—when times are abundant or when times are tight, when times are good or when times are bad. And being grateful can actually serve others; it can become a ministry.
Have you ever realized that every believer is a minister? I am a minister! And one ministry I can create is the ministry of appreciation.
Do you know what the word “appreciation” means? In buying a car, I certainly know the meaning of depreciation. The moment I drive it off the lot, it’s worth less than I paid for it, even if it’s a brand-new vehicle. Depreciation means “to decrease in value.” Appreciation is the opposite. It means “to increase in value.”
When I appreciate my spouse, daughter or grandchildren, I raise their value. When I appreciate my co-workers or boss, I raise their value—to both myself and the company.
The ministry of appreciation raises the value of people. As I develop radical gratitude, I can make a ministry out of raising the value of people simply by appreciating them.
The Bible says it like this: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV).
One thing I’ve discovered is this: Everyone needs massive doses of encouragement. I’ve never met anybody who’s said, “Oh no! I don’t need a compliment! I’ve had too many. Please, stop! I’m too affirmed. Don’t give me any more.”
I have an innate need to be affirmed, to be loved, to be appreciated—and so does everybody else. If I want to be used by God, here’s one way: Affirm everyone. Appreciate everyone. Show gratitude to everyone.
That’s how I can develop a ministry of appreciation.
In summary:
Radical gratitude means choosing to be thankful in every circumstance—good or bad—and using that gratitude to serve others. Scripture reminds us in Ephesians 4:29 to speak only what builds people up, and one way to do that is through a “ministry of appreciation.” Appreciation increases a person’s value, whether it’s a spouse, family member, coworker, or anyone we interact with. Everyone longs for encouragement and affirmation, and no one suffers from receiving too much of it. By intentionally appreciating, affirming, and encouraging others, we can meet a deep human need and allow God to use us to raise the value of the people around us.
Bottom line:
Use my words and attitude of gratitude to intentionally build others up—because appreciation is a ministry, and everyone needs encouragement.
Next Step:
Choose one person today and intentionally express specific appreciation for something they do or who they are.
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