Earlier this week, I attended a going away party for Julie Oliver. If you haven’t been blessed by knowing Julie personally, I am sure you will know her beautiful voice, as she sang often with the worship team during our services. Well, she and her family are moving. They will be missed greatly by many people at Trinity. There were the usual yummy treats and savory food that accompanies many of our women’s gatherings and a time of chatting and catching up with each other. Then we did something that I enjoyed tremendously.
We sat in a circle of sorts and took turns expressing out loud words of affirmation in the giftings that God has given her and ways that she has blessed us individually. I don’t know if it is a “woman thing” or if men experience this too – but so often when we are given a compliment we are quick to brush it off or shake our heads in wonder that someone is affirming us. Even worse sometimes we make excuses for whatever the compliment is about.
Guess what ladies – when we brush off a sister’s genuine compliment or affirmation – we are not allowing them to fulfill a God-given command! 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says we are to “encourage and build one another up.” Should our response be to not accept the encouragement? I don’t think so.
In 1 Corinthians 16:18, Paul instructs to acknowledge men who have refreshed our spirits. (Read verse 17 for context) And there are several other verses that teach us to treat each other with kind words, build up the body, and many, many demonstrations of Paul encouraging his brothers. I couldn’t find anywhere in my Bible where we are told not to accept encouragement or affirmation from our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The challenge I leave you is one I must take on myself… To say a gracious “thank you” when I receive a compliment. To then thank God for the encouragement and the encourager. Not to brush it off or give a negative word in reply. Oh, this could be a tough one. But the result is true building up of the body.
We’ll miss you Julie!! Thank you for being an example of a gracious and Godly woman.
Posted by Kim Parker
Isn’t it interesting that the act of affirmation is almost embarassing for all…the giver and reciever? Unless they are eulogizing you at your grave that is.
I love that God has told us to build each other up in a world where we tend to tear each other apart to make ourselves look better.
I hope that I can daily affirm and build up with my words…help me God.
And Julie, we are sure missing you already…..thank you for sharing your gift with us.
By: Tamara on June 12, 2008
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