In the Bible, commendation refers to the act of expressing approval or praise for someone’s actions or character, often in a moral or spiritual context. It underscores the importance of acknowledging good deeds and faithfulness, as seen in passages like Romans 16:1-2, where Paul commends Phoebe for her service to the church.
Scripture
6 He will render to each one according to his works:
7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;
8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek,
10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.
11 For God shows no partiality.
Biblical Definition of Commendation
The biblical concept of commendation encompasses the recognition and affirmation of an individual’s virtues and significant contributions to the community of faith, reflecting a deeper moral and spiritual appraisal. This idea is vividly illustrated in Romans 16:1-2, where the Apostle Paul commends Phoebe, a deaconess of the church in Cenchreae, for her ministry. By acknowledging her role and influence, Paul not only validates her service but also sets a precedent for the community to appreciate and uplift one another in their spiritual journeys. This act of commendation serves as a reminder that recognizing individuals’ contributions fosters a culture of encouragement and unity within the church, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25, which emphasizes the importance of stirring one another toward love and good works.
Furthermore, commendation in the biblical context extends beyond mere approval; it intertwines with accountability and exhortation, as seen in 2 Corinthians 10:12-18, where Paul discusses the proper context for boasting about one’s achievements. It underscores that true commendation must align with godly standards and be aimed at glorifying God rather than self-promotion. This perspective invites believers to reflect on their motives while encouraging them to strive for excellence in service and character. Ultimately, the call to commendation within the scriptures serves to build up the body of Christ, encouraging each member to partake in the communal mission of honoring God through their actions and relationships.
The biblical notion of commendation is deeply entrenched in the principles of encouragement and support found throughout the New Testament. In 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, the Apostle Paul expresses gratitude for the faith of the Thessalonians and their sustained work stemming from hope and love. Here, commendation takes the form of public acknowledgment of the spiritual growth and perseverance of the believers amidst challenges. This recognition not only affirms individual faithfulness but also reinforces the collective identity and strength of the church community. Commendation, therefore, serves to inspire others within the faith community to continue in their diligent work for God’s kingdom.
Additionally, commendation can also be seen in the practice of affirming spiritual leaders and their roles within the church, as outlined in 1 Timothy 5:17-18. This passage speaks to honoring those who labor in preaching and teaching, highlighting the importance of recognizing the sacrificial efforts of those who lead others in spiritual matters. This kind of commendation not only encourages leaders but also reminds the community of the value of servant leadership and the necessity of supporting one another in fulfilling God’s calling. Thus, through both personal acknowledgment and the honoring of leaders, commendation plays a vital role in fostering a vibrant, supportive, and engaged church that exemplifies God’s love and grace in action.
Recognition of Worthiness
In the biblical context, commendation often signifies the recognition of an individual’s worthiness or virtue. This acknowledgment serves not only to honor the person but also to inspire others within the community. It reflects the value placed on moral integrity, faithfulness, and service to God and others. By commending individuals, the community reinforces the importance of these qualities, encouraging a culture of righteousness and accountability.
Encouragement in Faith
Commendation also plays a crucial role in encouraging believers in their faith journey. By affirming and celebrating the positive actions and contributions of others, commendation fosters a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to continue their spiritual growth. This encouragement can strengthen communal bonds and enhance collective faith, as individuals are reminded of their shared mission and purpose in serving God and one another.
Accountability and Responsibility
Another broader meaning of commendation in the Bible relates to accountability and responsibility within the faith community. When individuals are commended for their actions, it establishes a standard of behavior that others are encouraged to emulate. This aspect of commendation serves as a reminder that believers are not only accountable for their own actions but also have a responsibility to uplift and support one another in their spiritual endeavors. It emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, where each member plays a vital role in the overall health and growth of the body of Christ.
How to Seek God’s Approval in Daily Life
Seeking God’s approval in our daily lives is a beautiful journey that invites us to align our actions and intentions with His will. Start by cultivating a heart of prayer, inviting God into your everyday moments—whether it’s a simple morning routine or a challenging decision at work. Reflect on Scripture, allowing His Word to guide your thoughts and actions; passages like Colossians 3:23 remind us to work heartily, as if for the Lord. Embrace opportunities to serve others, as Jesus did, recognizing that acts of kindness and love are powerful ways to reflect His character. Lastly, practice gratitude and humility, acknowledging that our worth comes not from our achievements but from being His beloved children. By intentionally seeking His presence and striving to live out His teachings, you’ll find that God’s approval is not just a distant goal, but a daily reality that fills your life with purpose and joy.
Bible References to Commendation in Scripture:
2 Corinthians 10:12-18: 12 Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
13 But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.
14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you.
15 We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others.
16 so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence.
17 “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5: 1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.
4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.
5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
2 Corinthians 5:9-10: So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
1 Peter 1:6-9: 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Hebrews 11:1-6: 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Matthew 25:14-30: 14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.
15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.
17 So also he who had received the two talents made two talents more.
18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’
21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
22 And he also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,
23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,
25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’
26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?
27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.
28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.
29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
1 Thessalonians 2:4-6: 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.
5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.
6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.
Philippians 2:19-30: 19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.
20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.
21 For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
22 But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.
23 I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me,
24 and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need,
26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill.
27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.
29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,
30 because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
1 Timothy 5:17-20: 17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”
19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
2 Timothy 4:6-8: 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Revelation 3:7-13: 7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.
8 “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you.
10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
11 I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.
13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.