Receiving Their Words

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2 (New American Standard Bible)

I have often read this verse and walked away with two conclusions: I should not brag on myself but let others do the complimenting. Yet this morning the first word in Proverbs 27:2 grabs my attention. How many times have we NOT let someone say something affirming to us? Rather than receive their kind words we brush off what they say with, “Oh, it was nothing.” Or we dismiss what they are saying with a contradictory negative statement. Or we feel the need to quickly compliment them back which comes across as insincere and forced. Why are we finding it so difficult to accept and embrace the verbal or written praises of others?

Maybe our view of ourselves is so distorted that we feel undeserving of anything nice being said to us. Maybe we question the sincerity. Maybe we mistakenly think that a refreshment to our soul is somehow being prideful. Maybe we have a wrong picture of humility. Maybe we think the worst parts of us nullify anything good that might be found in us. Maybe we grew up with very little affirmation and encouragement, therefore the words are foreign to us and make us squirm. Maybe just maybe we fail to see God’s gift to us in those words.

Whatever the reason may be, the enemy accomplishes two things when we fail to let someone celebrate, commend, affirm, or compliment us with their words. He prevents us from receiving something that was intended to minister to our soul in a deep and satisfying way. And he causes the other person to feel somewhat foolish for giving out kind words and it could lead them to shut down the attempt in the future. Let’s not let him have such a victory!

For some of us, it will take time to begin seeing compliments as a good thing and learning to drink them in with thanksgiving. Maybe the next time someone pays us a compliment in any way we could start with just this simple phrase: “Thank you for your kind words!” Those words spoken with good eye contact, a smile, and a possible hug would do tremendous things for both the recipient and the giver of gracious words.

Father, help me to fully embrace generous words spoken to me and to also become extravagant in voicing affirming words to others. You are my role model in rich communication. May I follow Your example! Amen.

Amazing Love - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NeKnC4WXCs&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.