We all like to be recognized for work we do. Sometimes work in the church can be taken for granted. In Judges 5:9, Judge Deborah begins a song, and some of her first lyrics highlight volunteers and those who helped God’s people. “My heart is with the leaders of Israel, with the volunteers of the people. Blessed be the Lord! “
Hearty commendation goes to the fighting men who helped Barak. Forever her words remain for generations to see.
Paul appreciated those who worked beside him. He commends many across his writings. But Romans 16 is a chapter devoted entirely to those in his heart in the church at Rome.
Because Paul mentions his colaborers by name you can tell he knew them. The evidence is in the descriptive words that describe them. He pointed out who worked hard, was noteworthy, chosen, or was a fellow Jew or prisoner with him. He called some, dear friends. He remembers someone’s mother. Paul is specific and values the individuals.

With one Old Testament example and one New Testament example, there is a shining case about how the people of God should treat the people of God. Appreciating fellow workers openly is the example.

Before I go further, I would say commendation is not flattery. Underneath every flippant fawning of flattery is a bad motive. Paul points out the deception of flattery when he says in verses 17-18,

“Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them, because such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words.”

God’s Word is not quiet on the matter. There’s more where these came from!
“A person who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. “
Proverbs 29:5

”For we never used flattering speeech, as you know, or had greedy motives – God is our witness.” I Thessalonians 2:5

In contrast, praise and commendation are speaking a sincere and truthful comment to or about others. Sometimes, you’ve spoken commendation(praise) to someone only to be met with the following: “I don’t need anyone to thank me. I did it for the Lord.” Or “I just did what anybody would have done.” To be on the receiving end of such replies is frustrating. The point of commendation is to praise the work of God in a fellow Christians life. Right motives are assumed, and a pure heart to serve the Lord is the foundation. It is a time when both parties can give God glory.

As far as the second retort, would anybody do it? I think not. Everybody knows nobody will do anything if you wait on anybody to do something. So, the fact that someone is doing it is appreciated.

But better than that is the fact that Christianity is intentional. That means workers do tasks that God has asked them to do and equipped them to do. Or one is commended for work from a spiritual gift given to them at the point of salvation. Even a natural ability God gave to them at birth can be in service to the Lord. And don’t discount tasks done out of a need. To say anybody would have done it is not a truthful statement. You saw a need. You decided to get involved. You did it as though serving the Lord. That is commendable.

Corinthians 16:17-18, Acts 17:11, and Nehemiah 11:2 are all commendation examples. But there are more. You can study the idea yourself.

The physical space of the church building is not needed to give commendation. Commendations can travel through the mail, cyberspace, down the street, or to the coffee shop.

The Body of Christ needs genuine encouragement that is Christ-honoring. The Bible is clear that commendation is a healthy practice among Christians and opens the door to fan the flame of God’s glory. Why not plan to do your part in helping others see their contribution to the Kingdom. Judge Deborah and Paul were humble and recognized those dear saints near them. Each left lovely examples for us all.

©Valerie Rumfelt

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