Question 1

Why should I give compliments?

Accepted Answer

2 Corinthians 7:4I have the highest confidence in you, and I take great pride in you. You have greatly encouraged me and made me happy despite all our troubles.A compliment can be an expression of your confidence in someone. Many times people just need to know that they are noticed.Song of Solomon 4:7You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way.A compliment can be an expression of love or appreciation. Many times those who have been married for many years begin to take that love for granted. Complimenting each other can remind them that they are still greatly loved—even as time goes by.Proverbs 12:25Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.A compliment can cheer a person up. Many times, people feel discouraged, worried, overwhelmed, but a few kind words can make all the difference.

Question 2

How should I compliment other believers?

Accepted Answer

Romans 1:8Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world.Philippians 1:3-5Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.1 Thessalonians 1:3As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.2 Thessalonians 1:3Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing.2 Timothy 1:3, 5Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. . . . I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.Philemon 1:4-7I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.You can simply be thankful for the believers around you and compliment them for their impact on your life. The apostle Paul made it a habit in all his letters to compliment the believers to whom he was writing. Sometimes his letters also included some difficult teachings for them, but beginning his letters this way showed them that he loved them and saw their hard work and desire to serve God.Colossians 2:5Though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.1 Thessalonians 5:11So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.2 Thessalonians 1:4We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering.You can compliment others when you notice spiritual growth in their lives. When you encourage them, especially when you know they are facing difficulties and suffering, you cheer them up and provide new perspective for them.2 Chronicles 30:22Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites regarding the skill they displayed as they served the Lord.You can compliment people’s skills and talents. Many people serve quietly and with dedication. When you point out their great work, they feel appreciated and often can serve with new vigor.

Question 3

What is the difference between complimenting and flattering?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 12:2-4Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts. May the Lord cut off their flattering lips and silence their boastful tongues. They say, “We will lie to our hearts’ content. Our lips are our own—who can stop us?”Proverbs 28:23In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.Song of Solomon 1:9-11You are as exciting, my darling, as a mare among Pharaoh’s stallions. How lovely are your cheeks; your earrings set them afire! How lovely is your neck, enhanced by a string of jewels. We will make for you earrings of gold and beads of silver.Matthew 12:35“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.”The difference between complimenting and flattering is found in the heart motivation behind the words. A compliment is all about the other person, designed to build them up. Flattery is all about you, a scheme to get what you want. Flattery is often revealed by its exaggerated character, but in fact, the very same words could be either, depending on the context of the relationship.

Question 4

How should I respond when complimented?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 16:2I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.”Psalm 103:2, 5Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. . . . He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!Psalm 139:14Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.Ephesians 2:10We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.Philippians 1:11May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.When you are complimented, recognize God’s part in your achievement and credit him with it.James 4:10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.When you are complimented, regardless of your abilities, remain humble and dependent on the Lord.1 Thessalonians 2:6As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.Never seek praise from people; however, you should be quick to give it to others for work well done.

Question 5

What does God see as worthy of his compliment?

Accepted Answer

Mark 1:11A voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”God was totally pleased with his Son, Jesus Christ.Matthew 25:21“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’”Revelation 2:2“I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars.”Revelation 2:13“I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to me. You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was martyred among you there in Satan’s city.”Revelation 2:19“I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.”God compliments the progress his people show toward being like his Son—obedience, faithfulness with responsibilities, hard work, patient endurance, intolerance of evil, discernment of teachings, loyalty, love, faith and service.