Free Compliments

This devotion really spoke to me this week. It's so important that we not tear one another down. It's been said, that the church is the only army that shoots it's wounded. How sad, but true! God help us!

People are hurting and going through so much in these challenging and difficult days.

I don't know about you, but I'd rather have words that bring a sweetness to my soul than words that tear me down.

Let's be better than the world and offer encouraging words to those we come in contact with!

Love & Hugs,
LaDonna


Our Daily Bread
March 21, 2011 — by David C. McCasland

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. —Proverbs 16:24

During a time of economic crisis and depressing news, two students at Purdue University decided to lift the spirits of people on campus with some encouraging words. For two hours every Wednesday afternoon, Cameron Brown and Brett Westcott stood along a busy walkway holding a large “Free Compliments” sign and saying nice things to everyone who passed by. “I like your red coat.” “Cool snow boots.” “Very nice smile.” Some students said they deliberately walked past “the compliment guys” every Wednesday just to hear a kind word.

I was struck by these two young men who looked at people with the goal of commending them, rather than finding fault or being critical. Is that how I, as a follower of Christ, view others each day?

Instead of being like the person who is focused on evil and whose speech is “like a burning fire” (Prov. 16:27), we can take a different approach, knowing that what we say begins deep inside us. “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (vv.23-24).

Kind words may be free, but they give a priceless lift of spirit. Why not encourage someone today?

The power in words can build up or tear down—
Create a big smile or produce a sad frown;
So in all your contacts with people each day,
Be sure to encourage in all that you say. —Fitzhugh


A gentle word of compliment falls lightly
but it carries great weight.