Blessing from Others

I enjoy a good compliment from others.  It blesses me when people notice something good or nice that I’ve done. I should not do good or nice things just so I can receive a compliment. I should be kind and nice because of the Spirit of God living in me. It is also fun to bless others with a compliment or gratitude toward them for something they’ve done for you or to you. Our words matter. The person who said, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me” was a liar. Sometimes the hurtful words of others sting more than a punch to the gut.

David and his men were protecting local farmers. They reached out to one such farmer to see if he would bless them with food and supplies. The man insulted David, so David decided he would go get what he needed and take the guy out. The man’s wife heard what happened and she acted quickly to get some supplies together for David and his men. She prevented David was taking out her family. The Lord took care of that a bit later because of this guy’s mean spirit and evil behavior.  The blessing from this woman toward David did not go unnoticed. She spoke encouragement and life into him. Check this out….

²⁸ Please forgive me if I have offended you in any way. The Lord will surely reward you with a lasting dynasty, for you are fighting the Lord’s battles. And you have not done wrong throughout your entire life.

²⁹ “Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling! ³⁰ When the Lord has done all he promised and has made you leader of Israel, ³¹ don’t let this be a blemish on your record. Then your conscience won’t have to bear the staggering burden of needless bloodshed and vengeance. And when the Lord has done these great things for you, please remember me, your servant!” (1 Samuel 25:29-31 NLT)

I’m not talking about giving out “compliment sandwiches”. (A compliment followed by a criticism, then followed by another compliment.) I’m speaking of genuine, heartfelt gratitude for another person and their interaction with you. Kindness doesn’t cost a fortune. Kindness to others can end up becoming a blessing back to you. I think there is great power through kind words spoken genuinely to one another. They are a blessing to give and receive.

Pressing On!

Dwayne