“Render therefore to all their
due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs; fear to whom fear;
honor to whom honor.”—Romans 13:7
It is important for us to compliment, praise, and thank others. However, equally important is learning
how to graciously accept compliments,
praise and thanks from others. All too often, we tend to brush aside the
kind words of others, either because we are embarrassed, do not feel worthy, or
simply do not know how to handle it. One
of the worst ways to handle compliments is to brush it aside with a casual
“it’s nothing” or “oh, I don’t really deserve it.” For example, I might compliment
someone by saying, “That’s a lovely linen suit you are wearing today.” Some possible response might be:
“This
old thing”
“This
is not linen; it is rayon.”
“I
picked it up at a resale shop.”
“It
is a reject from my sister.”
Any of these
comments show I have no taste and remind me never to say a nice word to you
again. Those words belittle the belief and esteem of the person
extending the compliment.
We mean to be
humble, but we insult the intelligence of the givers when we refuse their compliments. How much happier we can make others when we
express gratitude for their
comments. We should always honor the opinions of others, and when we
received compliments, respond in a
way that shows we appreciate the kindness and thoughts that went into it. The easiest way to respond to a compliment is with a simple thank you
and a smile. If the situation requires
it, a few additional words may be added.
When you are receiving a compliment,
it's important in American culture to look the other person in the eye and give
a sincere, “thank you.” Whether you’re giving
or receiving compliments, you show respect by being real to the other
person.
Here are a few sample
responses to compliments or praise.
Thank you, I’m glad you
enjoyed it.
Thank you, I had a lot of help from others in reaching this milestone.
Thank you; I’m honored by your words.
Thank you, your words mean a lot to me.
Thank you, that’s very kind.
Thank you, I had a lot of help from others in reaching this milestone.
Thank you; I’m honored by your words.
Thank you, your words mean a lot to me.
Thank you, that’s very kind.
Try out a few of these
responses until you find one that you can make your own. Then practice it until
it is second nature.
Examine your own responses to compliments. Do compliments
make you uncomfortable? Are your
responses continually negative?
Accept each compliment as you would a present.
Make the choice to respond in gratitude. Begin by allowing the Heavenly Father to fill
your heart with gratitude—for out of
your heart flow the issues of life.
Prayer—Father
I humble myself before You today and put aside every negative attitude that I
have held concerning accepting true honor and praise, and I ask You to forgive
me for the times that I have not had a right attitude. Lord, please help me to learn to be
comfortable giving and receiving honor and praise out of right motives, in
Jesus Name. Amen.
