One day last week, I was giving someone a compliment and it was very awkward because they had no idea how to receive it!  As I was thinking back about the situation a little later, I realized that I am often guilty of making the moment awkward when others start to give me a compliment.

When I started thinking about why I make it so awkward, I think it’s because a lot of times people have provided their compliment with the disclaimer:  “Now don’t let this go to your head!”  To which I think:  “If you really think it’s going to go to my head, then just don’t give it!”  If you think about it – that’s like giving an insult before your provide the compliment!

Why do we do this?  I think, it’s because most of us are uncomfortable with compliments.  And when we give a compliment, we would do well to consider where it is coming from.  Is the compliment we are about to give coming from our head or heart?  Compliments should come from our heart and if they come from our heart, then most likely they will flow to the heart of the person that we are complimenting!

When I get a compliment, it does not go to my head, it just helps me to be even more thankful to God that He would be willing to use someone as messed up as me to do something worth complimenting!

Let’s start finding, giving and receiving compliments from our hearts and then everyone (the giver and the receiver) will be encouraged!