Article July 17, 1954 Issue

THE IMPORTANCE OF APPRECIATION

THOMAS B. HUDSON

In the three familiar parables recorded in the fifteenth chapter of Luke's Gospel, there is an interesting point of similarity. The first parable tells of the lost sheep that was found; the second, of the lost coin that the woman recovered; and the third, of the prodigal son who returned home.

Each parable brings out the fact that the opportunity to share the good involved was offered to friends and neighbors. Moreover, in the first two parables the invitation to appreciate good was given in the very same words, "Rejoice with me." In the third one, the parable of the prodigal son, the invitation to appreciate good was likewise extended to many by the father, whose joy in his son's return was great. The elder brother refused the invitation, only to rob himself of joy.

These parables teach the value and need of the appreciation of good. Rejoicing in the good that comes to others not only heals selfishness and self-centeredness, but brings with it great happiness. Jesus knew that this departure from self opens the way to heavenly joy.

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