Over the years I’ve noticed how difficult it is for people to receive compliments. Some suspected I use flattery to manipulate them for my benefit. Most laughed off the comment, or denied it completely. When I took the time to extend a compliment, I meant it sincerely.

I think perhaps people are more accustomed to criticism, and therefore, they do not expect someone to make a positive remark to, or about them. How sad this is! How disappointing it is to me when my compliment is not received graciously! I recently started saying, “Okay. You’re right. I’m just a liar…” This usually gets their attention, and they think about what their response says to the one granting the compliment.

In the book of Ephesians of the Bible, the apostle Paul tells Christians this in 4:29: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but instead that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”  If we follow this command, we could end people expecting only criticism from others.

In Acts 24: 10 Paul says “I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.” Movies, television shows, jokes, Face Book comments, and speech in general would be much more pleasant.

The next time you feel tempted to say something mean-spirited or off-color, think about whether the remark is corrupt, or if it might build someone up (edify) the hearer.

Thank you for stopping by and reading my post. Please leave a comment below about this what I wrote and your experience with granting compliments and the person’s response.