Thank You

Posted on March 24, 2020 by Catey Stover in Victory Call

“I just wanted to tell you what a great job you did sharing that sermon at the women’s conference this weekend!” Delilah gushed to Becky, holding her arms out to embrace her friend in a big hug.

 

“Oh, no… it was no big deal.” Becky nervously laughed, shooting her gaze down and giving a half-smile. Delilah slowly brought her arms back down to her sides, looked at her friend with a puzzled expression, shrugged, and walked away.

 

Have you ever felt like you were in Delilah’s shoes, giving a friend a compliment and almost feeling as if you were shot down? Or maybe you’ve been in Becky’s shoes before, receiving a compliment and humbly declining it… or so you think. 

 

I think that many times, we as Christians feel as though accepting a compliment is synonymous with pride and we have such a great fear of being perceived as someone with a lack of humility that we refuse to acknowledge the kind words from a friend.

 

There are many verses that, while they may not specifically mention how to receive encouragement, tell followers to build their brothers and sisters up. If we are commanded to give encouragement, then it must be okay to receive it as well. 

 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says this, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” If the Lord commands us to build others up, then the receiver must be willing to welcome that love.

 

If there is still a question, we can turn our focus to Zephaniah 3:17. This verse states, “The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” 

 

How beautiful of a thought is it that the Lord of Lords literally sings songs of encouragement and love to His children? What a pity it would be to reject such a gift. Rather than walk around with false humility that can cause harm to one’s self-esteem over time, we can accept encouragement in our walk with the Lord and in our gifts, giving praise back to the Father and thanking Him for the work He has done in us. If we can do this, then all glory goes back to our Father instead of being tossed away in dark waters of disregard, Amen? 

 

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Written by Erin C.: Erin served for four years as a Marketing Assistant and Staff Writer. She loves encouraging women through her Victory Calls and finds such joy in praying for her sisters in Christ. Her favorite activities include reading her Bible, encouraging others with scripture, buying new makeup, buying dresses, and eating at the Cheesecake Factory… In that order!

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Think About This: “When someone offers a compliment, respond as though they just handed you a beautifully wrapped gift.  Whether you deserve it or agree with it, acknowledge the thoughtfulness of the gesture.” – Valerie Burton

The Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 10-14| You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; ¹² As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. –Psalm 103:11-12

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.