3:30 – Accepting Complements

#faithbites #faithjourney compliments

Today was my Superbowl of Faculty Development. A very long day of workshops after months of planning. Throughout the day, many people came up saying how they enjoyed the day, the sessions, and how everything went well. To each one I said Thank You but quickly followed with, “we are learning each time and are going to make it better next year”. Even with suggestions for improvement, I said the same thing.

Imagine if I just said “Thank you, I appreciate it.” Or “Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it.” For some reason, accepting compliments without trying to justify them if hard for me. How about you?

Scripture

• Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. – Romans 15:2
• Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. – 2 Timothy 4:2

Reflection

Let us say thank you. We should build each other up, not in flattery or for a return compliment, but to please them and please God. We are challenged to rebuke each other when we sin but also to do it in kindness and patience. Let us be as gracious with our compliments as we are with our rebukes.

Imagine, if we just said Thank You. If we appreciated the compliment and didn’t belittle it by saying what we did wrong.

For everyone who said Good Job today, I thank you feom the bottom of my heart.

Challenge

Next time someone gives you a compliment, smile and accept it. Give thanks. The person wanted to do something nice for you and build you up. See how that changes how you feel and how they feel.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for commanding us to build each other up. Let us accept those compliments as genuine and true. When we fail, grant us grace and help us do better next time. Thank you Lord, Amen.