God sees everything you do. He knows the sacrifices you make and the work you do.
The next time you’re in a lunch line, leaving a game or concert, or getting off the bus, take a moment to observe how people expect you to treat them, and how they treat others. People can be just plain rude. Everyone at one point or another seems to act as if they are more important and that what they’re doing has more meaning than anything we do.
No one likes to be treated rudely. Yet we, too, can be rude at times. Have you ever been jealous when someone else won a big award, performed well in a game, or got the latest gadget? How did you act?
We can get frustrated and angry—and even rude—when we’re not appreciated for what we do. From work, school, and chores, we can go through the day feeling unappreciated, as if nobody cares. If you’ve ever felt this way, there’s good news for you. God sees everything you do. He knows the sacrifices you make and the work you do. With every good thing you do in Christ, he is appreciative.
Read
- What did Paul hear about the people of Ephesus? (He heard about their faith in Jesus and their love toward all the saints.)
- Because of what he heard, what did Paul do? (He gave unceasing thanks for them and remembered them in his prayers.)
- Talk about what you feel and think when someone is rude toward you. Identity up to three ways you can show appreciation to others.
Prayer
Have your family pray and give thanks for the people in their lives. Have them each identify at least one reason they are thankful for others.
This devotion is adapted from the Who Do You Think You Are? Study Guides with Daily Devotions resource.
