Just the Right Word

Just the Right Word

Last Sunday, I read an inspirational Reader’s Digest post, The 100 Greatest Compliments You Could Ever Give or Receive. Sarah Vincent wrote the piece and began by saying, “If you see something, say something nice. Kindness is contagious. And what better way to spread it than by complimenting others.”

The 100 compliments of the article are divided into sections. I want to share the post’s five categories and include two compliments from each category:

Compliments for friends,  #11- “I really value your opinion. I love to hear your thoughts.” #19- “Your friendship means the world to me. You make my life so much better.

Compliments for family,  #27- “There’s no one else I’d rather do life with.”  #34- “I love that we grow through difficult times together.”

Compliments for co-workers,  #43- “You do so much for the team. We couldn’t do it without you!”  #50- “I always learn something from you when we talk.”

Compliments for men,  #75- “I really respect how you stand up for what you believe in.”  #77- “You’re so reliable. You’re always there for the people you love.”

Compliments for women,  #84- “I really admire how you handle difficult situations.”   #91- “I love the way you treat people. You make everyone feel special.”

The compliments I included spoke to me, but the 90 I did not include are also meaningful. The Apostle Paul challenged his readers to practice the art of encouragement when he wrote, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NLT)

We have all been encouraged by a friend, family member, or co-worker when we felt insecure. Often, those around us do not know the challenges we are facing and the difficult questions we are asking. This is true for everyone. We rarely know how much someone may need a kind word but by being intentional with our compliments and consistently building others up, we may be the encouragement others need.

Finding the right word at the right time takes more effort than reading a great online post. Nearly everyone has had a moment when God used someone’s kind words to sustain us during a personal struggle. Solomon put it this way, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11, ESV)

I am not suggesting we never need to lovingly tell someone something they would rather not hear; however, our family and friends also need to know they are loved and valued. Please join me in looking for ways to encourage those around you this week.

100 Best Compliments to Give People: Nice and Unique Compliments. https://www.rd.com/list/best-compliments/