“I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints” (Philemon 1:7,ESV).

     However, appreciation results when one’s life has been enhanced by the mere presence and example of someone else. Last evening, my spirit was filled with appreciation for the way in which the city of Cincinnati prayed for the young Buffalo Bills football player whose heart ceased beating for nine minutes. This community’s spiritual support inspired me to pray well into the night.

     Appreciation is what I experience when I witness athletes grind through an exhaustive workout. Their example inspires me to exercise more vigorously. Appreciation also leads me to be more charitable in my giving when I see how much others are giving to a worthy cause. As a husband, I appreciate the examples that other men demonstrate when honoring their wives. They inspire me to show greater respect to my own wife, not just for what she does, but for the amazing person she is.

     While in prison, Paul expressed his appreciation to Philemon. Yet, no evidence exists that Philemon gave assistance to Paul anytime during his incarceration. Nor is there any proof that Philemon wrote a letter of encouragement to Paul during this difficult period. Philemon did nothing remarkable to spark in Paul a sense of gratitude. However, Paul was appreciative of Philemon’s work that was fanning the Christian faith throughout the Roman Empire.

     The truth is that appreciation is less transactional than gratitude. Appreciation though is highly inspirational. The very things we appreciate about others can motivate us toward becoming a better version of ourselves. The French writer, Voltaire, once said, “Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”