• Blue Church Book
  • Posts
  • The unbiblical reason you struggle to accept compliments...and how to solve it.

The unbiblical reason you struggle to accept compliments...and how to solve it.

Why It's Hard for Some Christians to Accept Compliments and How to Change That

Sometimes, Christian professionals find it tough to accept compliments because they worry it might make them seem proud or boastful. They might think that saying "thank you" means they are taking all the credit for themselves, instead of giving glory to God.

  • - "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18) - Some Christian professionals might interpret this verse as a warning against accepting any form of praise, fearing that it could lead to pride and eventual downfall.  

  • - "Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips." (Proverbs 27:2) - This verse might be misread as a directive to avoid accepting compliments altogether, rather than understanding it as a caution against self-promotion. 

  • - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." (Philippians 2:3) - Professionals might misconstrue this verse to mean that accepting compliments is inherently selfish or conceited, rather than recognizing it as a call to maintain humility while still acknowledging one's contributions.  

  • - "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'" (James 4:6) - This verse could lead some to believe that accepting compliments is an act of pride, rather than understanding that true humility involves graciously accepting recognition while giving glory to God.

But it's important to remember that God gave us our talents and skills, and it's okay to feel good about using them well. When someone gives you a compliment, it's like they're saying, "Wow, you're using your gifts in a great way!"

To make it easier to accept compliments, think of them as little gifts. When someone gives you a gift, you don't say, "No, I can't take this!" Instead, you smile and say, "Thank you!" You can do the same with compliments. When someone says something nice about your work or your talents, you can simply say, "Thank you, I'm glad you noticed!" This way, you're not being boastful; you're just appreciating the kind words.

Another way to feel more comfortable with compliments is to remember that accepting them can be a way to connect with others. When you accept a compliment, you are opening up a chance to have a friendly conversation. You can even share how your faith helps you do your best work. For example, you might say, "Thank you! I really enjoy what I do, and I feel blessed to have these skills." This way, you're not only accepting the compliment but also sharing a little bit about your faith journey.