We all desire recognition – at work, in our families, in our communities. The Bible takes this desire seriously and refocuses it: first, recognize God, then appreciate one another, and be free from the pursuit of human approval. Here you will find 22 Bible verses about recognition and appreciation.
Recognizing God
Keep God in view in all ways.
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But remember him in all your ways, and he will guide you right.
Proverbs 3:6Guidance
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Be still and know that I am GOD. I will put my glory among the nations; I will put my glory on the earth.
Psalm 46:11UnderstandingRest
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Thus says the LORD: Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom, nor the strong man boast of his strength, nor the rich man boast of his wealth; but let him who will boast boast of this, that he knows and understands me, that I am the LORD, who does mercy, righteousness, and justice on the earth; for such things please me, says the LORD.
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That (as it is written) “he who will boast, let him boast in the LORD!”
1 Corinthians 1:31Pride
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Know that the LORD is God! He made us, and not we ourselves, his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Psalm 100:3Good Shepherd
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Then we will take heed and be diligent, that we may know the LORD. For he will break forth like the beautiful morning light, and he will come to us like rain, like a late rain, which waters the land.
Hosea 6:3Spring
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And all tongues shall confess that Jesus Christ is the LORD, to the glory of God, the Father.
Philippians 2:11Confession
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Whosoever now confesses me before men, I will confess him before my heavenly Father.
Matthew 10:32
Appreciating one another
Verses about appreciation in our relationships.
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Let the brotherly love among yourselves be hearty. Let one come to the other with honor.
Romans 12:10VolunteeringRelationships
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Now therefore, everyone, let each give what he owes: to the womb, what is due to the womb; to the taxman, what is due to the taxman; to fear, what is due to fear; to honor, what is due to honor.
Romans 13:7
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Nothing is done through strife or vain honor; but through humility one honors another above himself.
Philippians 2:3Pride
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But we urge you, beloved brethren, that you recognize those who work among you and who stand before you in the LORD, and admonish you; love them the more because of their work.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13Volunteering
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Honor everyone, love the brethren, fear God, honor the King!
1 Peter 2:17
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Do not refuse to do good to the needy, if your hand has what is good to do.
Proverbs 3:27Giving
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I thank my God, as often as I remember you.
Philippians 1:3FarewellFriendship
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For God is not unjust, that he should forget your work and the labor of love which you have shown in his name, forasmuch as you have served the saints and still serve.
Hebrews 6:10RewardVolunteering
Free from human approval
Whose recognition matters.
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Do I now preach to men or to God? Or do I seek to please men? If I still sought to please men, I would not be Christ's servant.
Galatians 1:10Self-worth
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How can you believe, you who take honor from one another? And the honor that is from God alone, you do not seek.
John 5:44
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For they had rather have honor with men than honor with God.
John 12:43
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Take heed that you do not give your alms before men, that you may be seen of them; for you have no other reward with your Father in heaven.
Matthew 6:1
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Everything that you do, do it heartily as to the LORD, and not to men.
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Therefore, do not judge before the time, until the LORD comes, who will bring to light what is hidden in darkness, and will make known the counsels of the heart; then shall every one receive his reward from God.
1 Corinthians 4:5Judgment
Bible texts: Luther Bible 1912 (public domain), carefully adapted to modern spelling.
Related Topics
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Recognizing God in All Ways
“But remember him in all your ways, and he will guide you right” (Proverbs 3:6). The Hebrew word that Luther translated here as “remember” also means “recognize,” “acknowledge.” To recognize God means to keep him in mind not only on Sunday, but in every decision. Jeremiah says what we may boast of: not wisdom, strength, or wealth, but of this, “that he knows and understands me, that I am the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:23).
Appreciation in Everyday Life
Paul calls us to come to one another “with honor” (Romans 12:10) and to respect those who serve in the community (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Appreciation is therefore not only a need, but also a task: Who gives others recognition builds community. At the same time, Jesus warns against living only for human approval (Matthew 6:1). The liberating truth: God sees even what no one notices, and “every one shall receive his reward from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5). Learn more about Bible verses about self-worth, Bible verses about gratitude, and Bible verses for volunteers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible say about recognition?
The Bible calls us to recognize God in all things (Proverbs 3:6), to appreciate one another (Romans 12:10), and not to be dependent on human approval (Galatians 1:10).
Which Bible verse is suitable for showing someone appreciation?
Philippians 1:3 (“I thank my God, as often as I remember you”), Hebrews 6:10, and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 are well suited.
