Today, many don’t appreciate people for their kindness. They quickly forget the contribution others have made to their lives. More often than not, ungrateful people say that if the people who helped hadn’t, God would have caused others to do so. Their assertion may be true because God is not limited in any way and has options all the time but it’s not for them to say that. Such people say that in order to defend their failure to acknowledge the thoughtfulness of others.
We must admit that ungratefulness is part of man’s fallen nature. Therefore, it is more probable for people to express ingratitude than thankfulness. However, we must cultivate the attitude of being thankful to others for their contributions. We must learn to rise above our human nature and appreciate others when need be.
Naomi, David and measures of gratitude
And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each to her mother’s house. The LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.
Ruth 1:8 (New King James Version)
Naomi prayed for the Lord to deal kindly with her daughters-in-law. Noami’s appreciation was in response to the way in which they treated her even after the death of her two sons. Her daughters-in-law didn’t return to their families after the death of her sons. Instead, they stayed with her until she instructed them to return to their relatives. Naomi recognized the helpfulness of her daughters-in-law and prayed that the Lord also reward them accordingly.
So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, “You are blessed of the LORD, for you have shown this kindness to your lord, to Saul, and have buried him.”And now may the LORD show kindness and truth to you. I also will repay you this kindness, because you have done this thing.
2 Samuel 2:5-6 (New King James Version)
The men of Jabesh Gilead buried Saul when he died. When David heard that the men of Jabesh Gilead had buried Saul, he sent a message of appreciation to them. David could have ignored the men of Jabesh Gilead for burying Saul. After all, Saul died in battle and many who die in battle are not buried. David chose to recognize the kindness of the men of Jabesh Gilead and appreciated them for what they did.
For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
Matthew 7:2 (New King James Version)
The measure with which we measure the people who help us, that same measure will be used on us by the people we help. Therefore, when we refuse to appreciate others for their kindness then it is clear that we will also not be appreciated when we help others. The value we place on our helpers will also determine the value that others will place on us when we help them. Knowing that we will be valued in the same way as we value our helpers, we must do everything possible to express our appreciation to people for their contributions towards us.
Realistic with expectations, willingness to help
We must not expect people to appreciate us for helping them. Because when our expectations are not met in this regard then we are likely to be disappointed and become tired of doing good. Paul explained that “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9 NKJV). We must not insist that people recognize what we do for them. The reason is that anytime we help others, it is because God found us to be worthy for that purpose.
What is important is whether or not we did what God expects from us. Once we bless others, we have done our part and that must end it. With this in mind, our concern must be to help the people that God wants us to help. We must be sensitive enough to know when God is calling us to help others. Perhaps, we may have missed opportunities to help and to touch the lives of many.
We must remember that anybody God uses in helping us, they availed themselves to be used by God. We must understand that they were available for God’s purpose when there was a need. Therefore, we must show gratitude toward such people for their kindness. We cannot choose to overlook the kindness of others. It is up to us to count what others have done for us. I pray that you will always appreciate the kindness of others in your life.
Let’s keep the fire burning until the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!
