“So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.” — Philippians 2:29-30

Heavenly Father,

I love that your Word celebrate a man who did the quiet, dangerous, unglamorous work of taking care of someone else’s needs. Thank you for the faithful, unseen servants in your church. Thank you for the people who show up early, stay late, risk their own comfort, and spend their own resources to make sure the work of Christ moves forward. Your kingdom is not built on the backs of polished celebrities, but through the quiet sacrifices of ordinary people who love Jesus more than their own safety.

Would you help me to honor people like this? I am terribly blind to the sacrifices happening all around me. I gladly consume the hard work of others—in my home, in my community, and in my church—without ever stopping to welcome them with great joy or express any genuine gratitude. 

Forgive my blindness. I want to be someone who brings encouragement and joy to those who quietly labor behind the scenes. Give me eyes today to notice the people who are holding up the arms of the church Give me a heart that cannot wait to honor them. 

In the name of Jesus,

Amen.