To say, “I love you” without uniting it with gratitude is an incomplete expression of love for gratitude is what conveys value and honor to another. At the baptism of Jesus, the heavenly Father not only declared His love for His Son but He also expressed His pleasure in Jesus, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). The Godhead loves one another and there is a spoken appreciation for one another.

The heavenly Father’s attitude of love and delight is not limited to Jesus but extends to all His children. John writes:

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

Since my heavenly Father places high value on His children so should I. To regard any of God’s children as unworthy of my notice or consideration is an affront to the Father who delights in each of His children.

In closing:

• Your expression of gratitude to one of God’s children will not go unnoticed by the heavenly Father and it will bring him delight.
• Verbally express your gratitude for your disciple to him.
• As empowering as a word of gratitude is to person so the absence of gratitude is damaging.