I received two compliments this week that have stuck with me.
They’ve been on my mind for the last couple of days.
They reminded me of a few important truths.
First, we’re all so unworthy.
People might look at me and think I’ve got it all together. They might think I never speak a wrong word.
But they might be wrong!
Yes, I try to do what is right and try to be kind and compassionate, but so many times I fall short.
We all fall short.
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23
We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6
But we tend to forget this and put people on a pedestal. Then, when their human-ness is displayed, we’re disappointed.
But the truth is, God is the only one we can count on to never fail us.
The second truth I was reminded of by these sweet compliments, is what we say to people matters.
Good or bad- it sticks with us.
The Bible tells us to, “encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
And again in Ephesians 4:29 it says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word! Proverbs 15:23
Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24
Encouraging others benefits both you and the one being encouraged.
And lastly, when you receive a compliment, be humble. Realizing that anything good in you is only by the grace of God.
Pray for humility. Pray for God to take away any pride you may have.
But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:12
God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. James 4:6
