Compliments are GREAT THINGS. Both for the giver and the recipient. Compliments can bring life, joy, energy, confidence and blessing.
Earlier this week I took my son to a nearby medical clinic. He had been experiencing some symptoms of what turned out to be strep throat. After a decent wait in the waiting room, we finally heard those welcome words from the lady at the door which led back to the exam rooms. “Ethan Bryan.”
That meant it was our turn!
When we entered the exam room, there was only one bench to sit on. Ethan took the seat, and I stood nearby. Shortly after, noticing there was no place for me to sit, the nurse said to Ethan, “Your brother is welcome to sit next to you, too.”
That’s right. “Brother!”
It was an unintended compliment, but a compliment nonetheless. At almost-40, I have entered the age bracket where looking younger than you are is a good thing! When I told her I was Ethan’s father, she commented on how young I looked (and in that word “young” I chose to hear “good-looking,” “ripped” and “athletic”).
Ethan is feeling better now, anxious to forget how he felt and ready to hit the basketball courts again. But I will remember that “compliment” for some time.
Because it reminds me of the power of a compliment.
Proverbs 25:11 observes: “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
This truism applies to apt words of all kinds (apt words of encouragement, rebuke, warning, celebration, and more). But it also speaks to the power of a compliment.
So how are you doing at handing out apt compliments these days?
“You look nice.”
“You are great to work for.”
“I admire your sense of humor.”
“I admire your creativity.”
“I admire your athleticism.”
“I admire your wisdom.”
“I admire the way you think, or the way you parent, or the way you handled that situation.”
“You are a wonderful friend.”
“I have great respect for your ability to ….”
“You are the best….”
“You inspire me to….”
“You are a wonderful, Godly person.”
The power of an apt compliment. It’s like apples of gold in settings of silver.
So will you aptly compliment someone today….everyday?
