Sin to desire appreciation?

[Craisin]

HI,
I’m wondering if it’s a sin to desire appreciation from others? (this is different from mere recognition and admiration)

I serve clients in a social work position, and know the Lord wants me to focus on my service to my clients. However, those in authority give me little appreciation or recognition. I don’t mind not being noticed 24/7, but I’ve noticed I DO mind when I don’t receive appreciation. Is this a sin, to desire appreciation from my boss?

 

[Natural_Family]

I wouldn’t say that is a sin to desire appreciation. It is a natural desire. Jeus affirmed this when he asked us to love our neighbour as ourselves, so he wants us to express appreciation to others, just as we would like to be appreciated.
At times I think we all feel hurt by others seeming insensitivity to the value of our efforts. Not that the person failing to appreciate our efforts is necessarily sinning themselves. Often it can be because the person is feeling pressured or unappreciated themselves or they think you realise your own value, so they don’t have to say anything, or they just haven’t thought about it.
Perhaps you could use this realisation of what appreciation means to you, to give others the appreciation that you would like. Just doing that is likely to make you feel better and be able to offer up the disappointment of not receiving it yourself and perhaps those to whom you are giving appreciation or hearing you give it to others will be inspired to pass it back to you.
Also, if you’re feeling down, make sure you’re eating properly and/or take some extra vitamins (B, calcium, magnesium and fish oil are some that may help). At times when I am feeling hurt by others, perhaps oversensitively as they often don’t even realise it, I take some of these and it helps me cope better. I even have some put together in a container together, so that as soon as I realise I’m spiralling downwards I can take them without having to process too much.
I will pray that you are soon feeling more appreciated and never forget how much God loves you. He offered his life for you and offers you the gift of Himself every day in the Eucharist.

 

[EmeraldWings]

here is a litany that may help you understand,

**Litany of Humility
(Composed by Cardinal Merry Del Val, The Saintly Secretary of State to Pope St. Pius X)

O Jesus meek and humble of heart, Hear me.
From the desire of being loved, Deliver, me, Dear Jesus.
From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, Dear Jesus.
From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, Dear Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, Dear Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, Dear Jesus.
From the desire of being approved, Deliver me Dear Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, Dear Jesus.
From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, Dear Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, Dear Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver, me, Dear Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, Dear Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, Dear Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, Dear Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, Dear Jesus.

That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus grant me the grace to desire it.
That in the opinion of the world, others may increase, and I may decrease,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I become as holy as I should,
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.**

i suppose it may not be considered sinful if you do not act on it or dwell on it pridefully,
but if you are doing your best and are honest and hard working, then there is nothing for you do worry about, if your boss isn’t appreciating you for the good job you do, then that is his problem, and he will not change his feelings unless he himself realizes it,

just do your best and that’s all you need to do, if your boss doesn’t appreciate you, you know God will, and when you’re working to please God and not those around you, then you are serving someone much higher then your boss, and your reward will be much greater,
well, we’re also told that when we do receive praise and compliments from others, that it is much more honest and humble to give those praises to God, because we are only His created beings, and all is truly His.

well…i don’t know if what you’re asking is sin or not in your case, but a sure way to find out is just to ask your priest.

 

[baltobetsy]

The Litany of Humility says it all. No further comments to add on that front.

Is it a sin? No. It is an imperfection, an opportunity to grow in virtue. It is right and just for us to appreciate those who perform a service or a job well, so what you desire is not wrong. However, it is better to be detached and indifferent to appreciation in imitation of Jesus Who gave everything and continues to love, whether or not we love Him back.

Betsy