Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.

Romans 13:7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

These verses are telling us to give credit where credit is due. This is often overlooked in close relationships because certain things are an expectation.

A husband may be expected to take out the trash or mow the yard, but there’s nothing wrong with sincerely appreciating him for fulfilling his role. A wife may be responsible for cooking dinner or grocery shopping, but it’s beneficial to appreciate her for cooking and even more beneficial to tell her how good the meal tastes. Even with our children, it’s good to tell them how well they’re doing in school and how well they maintained a positive attitude while doing their homework.

People like to be appreciated. Let’s do our best to consistently appreciate them and not take their goodness for granted.