Give People Their Flowers While They Are Alive

“Honor Is Meant to Be Experienced, Not Just Remembered”

Song “Black Sheep” by Drevon Chase

Opening Scripture (ESV)

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” – Galatians 6:10 (ESV)

Introduction

Good morning, everyone.

There is an old saying that has become popular over the years: “Give people their flowers while they can still smell them.”

We’ve all witnessed it. 

A person passes away, and suddenly social media is filled with heartfelt tributes. 

Churches are packed. Friends and relatives tell stories about how much that individual meant to them.

The tragedy is not the love that is expressed after death.

The tragedy is that so much of that love was never expressed while the person was still alive.

The Bible consistently teaches that love, honor, encouragement, and gratitude are meant to be practiced in the present – not postponed until the funeral.

God Calls Us to Honor People Now

One of the clearest teachings comes from:

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10 (ESV)

Notice Paul doesn’t say: “Honor people after they’ve gone.”

He says to outdo one another in showing honor now.

Honor is an action.

It is spoken.

It is demonstrated.

It is intentional.

Sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone is simply letting them know:

“I appreciate you.”

“Thank you.”

“Your life has made a difference in mine.”

Encouragement Should Be Daily

The writer of Hebrews reminds believers:

“But exhort one another every day…that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” – Hebrews 3:13 (ESV)

Encouragement isn’t reserved for special occasions.

It is daily ministry.

Some people are carrying burdens we know nothing about.

A sincere word…

A phone call…

A handwritten note…

A text message…

These simple acts may become the very thing God uses to strengthen someone’s spirit.

The Power of Words

Scripture tells us: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” – Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)

Our words can build.

Our words can heal.

Our words can inspire.

Our words can restore hope.

Yet too often we save our best words until someone can no longer hear them.

At funerals we hear things like:

• “She was amazing.”
• “He changed my life.”
• “I’ll never forget what they did for me.”

Imagine the impact if those same words had been spoken years earlier.

Don’t Withhold Good

One proverb speaks directly to this issue.

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” – Proverbs 3:27 (ESV)

If appreciation is in your heart…

Express it. 

If forgiveness needs to be offered…

Offer it.

If gratitude needs to be spoken…

Speak it.

Tomorrow is not promised.

Jesus Honored People During Their Lives

One beautiful aspect of Jesus’ ministry is that He constantly affirmed people while they were living.

He publicly praised:

• the faith of the Roman centurion
• the generosity of the widow who gave two small coins
• Mary of Bethany for her act of devotion
• John the Baptist, saying among those born of women there had arisen none greater (see Matthew 11:11).

Jesus didn’t wait until people died before acknowledging their faith and faithfulness.

He encouraged them while they could hear His words.

That is a model for us.

Even Paul Practiced Gratitude

Read Paul’s letters.

Again and again he begins with words like:

“I thank my God…”

He names individuals.

He commends churches.

He recognizes fellow workers.

Consider these examples:

• Philippians 1:3
• Romans 16
• 2 Timothy 1:3

Paul understood something many of us forget: People thrive when they know they are appreciated.

Why Do We Wait?

Sometimes pride keeps us silent.

Sometimes busyness distracts us.

Sometimes we assume: “They already know.”

But appreciation that is assumed is not appreciation that is expressed.

Love that is never communicated often feels like love that never existed.

A Funeral Perspective

Think about a typical funeral.

People stand before the congregation and say:

• “She was the strongest woman I ever knew.”
• “He always believed in me.”
• “She sacrificed everything for her family.”
• “He was my hero.”

Imagine how those same words could have transformed a life if they had been spoken years before.

One conversation today may eliminate years of regret tomorrow.

Practical Ways to Give Someone Their Flowers

Today, intentionally:

1. Tell your parents you love them.
2. Thank your spouse for what they do.
3. Encourage your children.
4. Call an old mentor.
5. Write a note to your pastor.
6. Thank a teacher.
7. Appreciate a coworker.
8. Pray with someone instead of simply saying you will.
9. Forgive someone you’ve been avoiding.
10. Tell people how God has used them in your life.

These cost very little.

Yet they are priceless.

The Greatest Flower We Can Give

The greatest flower isn’t a bouquet.

It’s love expressed through action.

Jesus said:

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35 (ESV)

Love is not merely felt.

Love is demonstrated.

Love speaks.

Love serves.

Love honors.

Love encourages.

And love doesn’t wait until the obituary is written.

Closing Challenge

Before this day ends, ask yourself three questions:

• Who has blessed my life that I’ve never properly thanked?

• Who needs encouragement today?

• If someone I love were gone tomorrow, what would I wish I had said today?

Then don’t wait.

Make the call.

Send the message.

Write the letter.

Offer the prayer.

Give them their flowers while they can still enjoy their fragrance.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for every person You have placed in our lives. 

Forgive us for the times we’ve taken others for granted or assumed they knew how much they meant to us. 

Help us to become people who honor others with our words, encourage those who are weary, and express gratitude while there is still time. 

May our speech bring life, our actions reflect Your love, and our relationships be marked by appreciation rather than regret. 

Teach us to seize every opportunity to do good, to bless others, and to give them their flowers while they can still receive them. 

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. 

Amen.

Remember: The sweetest flowers are not the ones placed on a casket – they are the words of love, honor, and gratitude spoken into a person’s life while they are still here to receive them.