We could all use some words of affirmation from the people that mean the most to us, our family and friends. A genuine compliment lifts our spirits, encourages us and spurs us on even to greater works.
In the spirit of spending time together intentionally as a family, I was inspired to create a worksheet (fellow homeschool Moms gather here) that allowed each family member to express and highlight some of their favorite things about the other family members.
The worksheet is attached below. It is only one page and such a treasured keepsake. Fill it out as many times as you are inspired to do so throughout the year and take time to think so you can capture your thoughts well, then transfer them onto the paper. Try to highlight different virtues each time you fill it out through the year. It provides a lovely insight into how your friends and family view you.
This can also be used with extended family, games night with friends or at Mom meet ups.
Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Jesus Himself did not skimp on compliments. He always used His words to encourage those around them. Pointing out positive attribute of their character and I believe this boosted their self esteem.
Here are a few examples of Jesus affirming those around him with words specific to them and not just in a general aspect:
The first time Nathanael (soon to be disciple) met Jesus, these are the words Jesus spoke to him: Jesus called Nathanael a man of complete integrity. How validating!
John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and remarked, “Here is a true Israelite who is sincere.”
Another version puts it like this: “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.”
To the woman with the jar of alabaster, criticized by those around her for pouring the very expensive perfume on Jesus’ head, He had this to say: She has done a good deed! Her actions were good in the sight of God. So much so that Jesus proclaimed right there and then that every where the gospel is preached, what she did is to be mentioned in memory of her.
Mark 14:6-7,9 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me……Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
How Jesus describes John the Baptist; more remarkable than a prophet, no one greater than him among those born of women.
Matthew 11:9,11 A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one [more eminent, more remarkable, and] far more than a prophet [who foretells the future]….. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater [in privilege] than he.
To the Centurion who told Jesus He did not have to come all the way to his house to heal his sick servant but only send His word and the servant would be healed, Jesus said he had great faith! Jesus had previously told His own disciples how little faith they had, so this was a major compliment. This man’s great faith pleased Jesus very much. We know that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard this, He was amazed and said to those following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”
Jesus made a point to audibly speak out when he encountered someone with great character. This teaches us that it is important to voice our appreciation of others and not just keep it to ourselves. Just like Jesus told those around Him about the great faith He saw in this man, we should tell those around us about the things we find great about them. Then take it a step further and speak about this to others as well. An example is when the grand parents come to visit, mention a few things you love about your children to them with in the hearing of your children. Make it a habit to validate people in the hearing of others, just like Jesus did. It should not be made up things or flattery but an honest and genuine praise of a person’s character, attributes and disposition. It puts a smile on their face, boosts their confidence and encourages growth in good works. This means you have to purpose to be present and attentive, not passive in your relationships in order to notice things about the people around you that are worth appreciating and complimenting. Try it out today, you will not regret it!
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Read more of Rachel’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
