We all have at least one friend, if not a whole group of friends, we share a special connection with. You know each other’s struggles, secrets, and life stories. They would drop anything to be with you while you’re going through hard times, and you’d do the same for them.
Within friendships like that, there is, normally, a mutual appreciation for one another.
When was the last time you voiced that appreciation?
“Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak.”
Acts 13:15
As you can see in the verse above, we are to speak words of encouragement to one another. Tell that friend, or group of friends, how much they mean to you, how much you love them.
Don’t let their good in your lives go unnoticed, be certain they feel appreciated.
“There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.” ~ Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa clearly knows what’s up.
I have learned this personally through an experience with someone close to me. You can give your friends everything they need and gift them with things you think they’d like, but the ultimate gift is when you open up your heart and let them know how you’re feeling; you voice your appreciation for them.
Physically voicing your appreciation is much more impactful than gifting your way through a friendship.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love gifts. More so I love the act of giving gifts, it’s definitely one of my love languages but think about your appreciation as a gift.
Maybe your friend, or group of friends, has been waiting a very long time to hear an encouraging word or word of appreciation from you and when you finally voice that appreciation it’s like the best Christmas present ever.
