In what ways can we recognize and honor others' good deeds today? The Forgotten Good Deed in Susa Esther 6:3 records the king’s piercing question: “The king asked, ‘What honor or recognition has Mordecai received for this?’ ‘Nothing has been done for him,’ replied the king’s servants.” Mordecai’s brave disclosure of an assassination plot had silently protected the throne, yet his deed slipped through the cracks of human memory until God’s perfect timing. The verse underlines a timeless truth: righteous acts deserve acknowledgment. Why Recognition Matters • Scripture urges us to repay good with honor. Romans 13:7: “Render to all what is due them… honor to whom honor is due.” • Withholding recognition can discourage faithful service. Hebrews 6:10 reminds believers that God “will not forget your work and the love you have shown.” We imitate His character by remembering others’ labor. • Public gratitude magnifies God. Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine… so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Praising a brother or sister ultimately redirects applause to the Lord who empowers every act of goodness. Ways to Notice Good Deeds Today • Keep a running “gratitude list” of people who bless your church, workplace, home, or neighborhood. • Pay attention to quiet corners—nursery volunteers, sound-booth operators, the brother setting up chairs before dawn. Proverbs 20:12: “Ears that hear and eyes that see—the LORD has made them both.” Ask Him to sharpen both. • Listen for testimonies of answered prayer and behind-the-scenes service during small-group gatherings. • Invite co-workers or classmates to share one recent act of kindness they observed; cultivate a culture of spotting grace in action. Practical Expressions of Honor • Speak praise aloud. Proverbs 27:2: “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.” Offer sincere, specific words—naming exactly what the person did and how it bore fruit. • Write it down. A brief handwritten note or public email celebrates faithfulness and provides lasting encouragement. • Celebrate milestones. Host a simple meal or present a small gift card to recognize years of consistent ministry (1 Timothy 5:17). • Share testimonies in gathered worship. Highlight God’s work through His people from the pulpit or bulletin. • Advocate for others. Recommend a diligent colleague for promotion, or nominate a volunteer for community awards (Esther 6:10 shows the king clothing Mordecai and parading him publicly). • Give tangible support. Galatians 6:6: “The one who receives instruction… should share all good things with his instructor.” Bless teachers, mentors, and missionaries financially or with needed resources. Guarding the Heart While Honoring Others • Keep motives pure. Matthew 6:4 warns against self-exalting generosity. Honor others for God’s sake, not to gain favor. • Stay humble. Recognizing a brother’s good deeds does not diminish your own calling; it enlarges the ministry of the body (1 Corinthians 12:26). • Reject flattery. Proverbs 29:5 cautions that flattery lays a trap. Offer honest affirmation rooted in observable fruit. Living the Gospel Through Appreciation Christ’s ultimate act of love on the cross secured forgiveness and new life. When believers spotlight the good works He inspires in fellow saints, they echo the king’s desire in Esther 6:3—What honor has been shown? May the answer never be “Nothing,” but rather a chorus of timely, heartfelt recognition that reflects the generosity of our Savior and spurs one another on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). |
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