The Value of Appreciation

This week’s inspirational study comes from the book by Edwin Louis Cole the Maximized Manhood.  We will be covering a section of the book on the value of appreciation.

1. Honor protects value—even when others don’t deserve it.
2. Small acts of appreciation create eternal impact.
3. Words are currency—spend them wisely.

Everything in life is moving in one of two directions—it is either appreciating or depreciating based on the level of care it receives. Homes don’t increase in value by neglect. Cars don’t last without maintenance. Investments don’t grow without attention. Value responds to care.

Scripture reminds us of this principle:

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” (Luke 16:10)

What is true in the natural is also true in the relational. Our relationships appreciate or depreciate depending on the time, care, and intentionality we invest. Love, like any valuable asset, requires stewardship.

When we speak harshly, withhold gratitude, or treat time with loved ones as disposable, we slowly devalue what was once priceless. Words spoken in frustration, judgment held in private, or attitudes left unchecked quietly erode connection.

“The tongue has the power of life and death.” (Proverbs 18:21)

Neglect doesn’t announce itself loudly—it happens subtly. A missed thank-you. An unspoken affirmation. A moment where appreciation was needed but irritation took its place. And over time, the relationship depreciates.

God calls us to a higher economy—the economy of honor.

“Encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)

It’s important to take inventory of what we say about others—both in their presence and in private. Every judgment, sharp demand, or dismissive attitude cost something. But every word of gratitude, affirmation, and grace increases value.

So I challenge you today:
If you find yourself irritated, distant, or in conflict within a relationship, pause and ask—are words of appreciation missing? Have I thanked them for the small things? Have I noticed what they carry, contribute, and endure?

Gratitude has a way of restoring value.

“Let your conversation be always full of grace.” (Colossians 4:6)

When appreciation rises, so does the worth—of time, of trust, and of relationships. Just like wise investments, what we nurture grows. What we honor appreciates.

CORE TRUTH

Whatever we honor appreciates. Whatever we neglect depreciates.  This principle applies to faith, finances, and especially relationships.  “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)

Teaching Point 1: Honor protects value—even when others don’t deserve it.

David & Saul — Honor Withdrawn, Relationship Deteriorated

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18–26

Bible Story

Saul began as a king favored by God, but insecurity and jealousy led him to depreciate David through suspicion, harsh words, and pursuit. David, however, continued to honor Saul—even refusing to harm him when given the opportunity.  “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed.” (1 Samuel 24:6) Saul’s lack of affirmation and constant judgment caused the relationship—and his leadership—to collapse. David’s honor preserved his character and elevated his future.

Appreciation is not a sign of weakness but of strength. When you appreciate others you send a message of strength and confidence to them.  It provides an opportunity for you to step back and enjoy the flowers.  Regardless if they take them or not your garden will continue to grow as you create a bouquet of love.

Real-Life Story

A school administrator once had a gifted teacher whose ideas brought innovation and life to the campus. Instead of affirming her contributions, the administrator dismissed her suggestions and publicly corrected her. Within a year, the teacher transferred schools. The campus lost excellence—not because of incompetence, but because appreciation was absent.

The lack of appreciation has dire circumstances which can cost us in the long run.  Each appreciation missed becomes a small snowball that rolls down a mountain eventually causing an avalanche.

 Teaching Tool #1: The Honor Inventory

Ask daily:

• What did I affirm today?
• Who did I honor with my words?
• Where might insecurity be causing me to depreciate others?

Remember the why? Honor protects value—even when others don’t deserve it.

Mary of Bethany — Appreciation Recognized, Legacy Preserved

Scripture: John 12:1–8

Bible Story

Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet—an act of deep appreciation. Others criticized her, calling it wasteful. Jesus corrected them, defending her act of honor.  “Leave her alone… It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.” (John 12:7) Jesus understood that appreciation is never wasted. Her honoring act was so valuable that Jesus declared it would be remembered forever. 

Appreciation is like a bottle of perfume, why save it.  Allow it to be a fragrance throughout your day.  You will come to notice the way you make others feel as you enter the room. 

Real-Life Story

A busy father once paused nightly to sit on the edge of his daughter’s bed and ask about her day—despite exhaustion. Years later, she said, “Those five minutes made me feel seen.” That small investment appreciated into lifelong trust and security.

Five minutes of valuable time is more powerful than an hour with someone you ignore.  It’s important that you make each moment count as this father did with his daughter.

Teaching Tool #2: The Thank-You Discipline

Practice this:

• Say one intentional thank-you daily
• Be specific (“Thank you for how you…”)

Remember, small acts of appreciation create eternal impact.

The Church at Corinth — Words That Build vs. Words That Break

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13; Ephesians 4:29

Bible Story

Paul addressed a gifted but divided church. Their lack of love, patience, and affirming speech was depreciating their spiritual maturity. Paul redirected them to love as the highest value.  “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong.” (1 Corinthians 13:1) Without love-filled communication, even spiritual gifts lost value.

True appreciation is backed by love and kindness.  Your body language should speak appreciation followed by words.  Appreciation comes from a fruit of the Spirit that is patient, kind, loving and affirming.  People will know God by the fruit you display.

Real-Life Story

Two coworkers worked under the same pressure. One manager consistently criticized; the other regularly acknowledged effort. One team burned out: the other thrived. Same workload—different words. Appreciation determined the outcome.

Determine the outcome or product of the level of appreciation, if your relationships are constantly ending in friction and conflict could it possibly be the measure of appreciation displayed.

Teaching Tool #3: The Word Audit

Ask before speaking:

• Does this build or break?
• Is this necessary or emotional?
• Will this appreciate or depreciate the relationship?

Hold fast to this truth: Words are currency—spend them wisely.