With compliments!

There's a scene in the movie Mean Girls that sums up how supposedly 'normal' it is to self-criticise: 'My nail beds suck. I hate my calves. My hairline is so weird...' Sadly, we could probably do that scene with examples we hear in our classroom/workplace. Far too frequently we hear someone say something negative about themselves. Or even, far too often we say something critical about ourselves.

By constantly focusing on the negative and getting caught up by what we don't like about ourselves and others, it's impossible to be grateful. If we're absorbed by what we don't like about ourselves, we're going to find it hard to feel happy or fulfilled. Now this doesn't mean that we stop improving ourselves. The Bible clearly says that trying to be more like Jesus should be near the top of our to-do lists. But this doesn't mean obsessing about what's wrong.

So what should we do when we feel critical thoughts creeping into our head? Let's stop, and remind ourselves that when God made us, he didn't make a mistake. Paul tells us in Romans 8:28 NIV that 'in all things God works for the good of those who love him.' He's got everything under control and he knows what he's doing. Let's bring what we have, and God will do the rest.



So what now? Make it your mission to compliment five people today. Each time you compliment someone, say an inner thanks to God for something positive he's given you.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Think about the things that are good.' Philippians 4:8 NCV
— SOULFOOD —

Gal 5:22-23, Exo 23:1-9, Luke 6:27-36, Rom 12:14-21