The concept of being complimentary, while not explicitly named in the Bible, is deeply rooted in the principles of encouragement, edification, and love that are central to Christian teachings. The act of giving compliments aligns with the biblical exhortation to build one another up and to speak words that are beneficial to the hearer.

Biblical Foundation

1. Encouragement and Edification: The Apostle Paul frequently emphasizes the importance of encouraging one another. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 , he writes, "Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing." Compliments serve as a form of encouragement, helping to strengthen and uplift others in their faith and daily lives.

2. Speaking with Grace: Colossians 4:6 instructs believers, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Compliments, when given sincerely, reflect gracious speech that can positively impact relationships and foster a spirit of kindness and understanding.

3. Love and Affirmation: The greatest commandment, as stated by Jesus, is to love God and love one's neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). Compliments can be an expression of this love, affirming the value and worth of others as created in the image of God. Proverbs 16:24 highlights the power of kind words: "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

Practical Application

1. Building Community: In the early church, believers were encouraged to support and affirm one another. Acts 4:36 introduces Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement." His role in the early church exemplifies the impact of a complimentary spirit in fostering unity and growth within the Christian community.

2. Correcting with Love: While compliments are positive affirmations, they can also be used to gently guide and correct. Ephesians 4:15 advises, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head." Compliments can be part of a loving approach to correction, encouraging others to grow in their walk with Christ.

3. Reflecting Christ's Character: Jesus Himself demonstrated a complimentary nature through His interactions. In John 1:47 , He speaks of Nathanael, saying, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit." This acknowledgment of Nathanael's character serves as a model for recognizing and affirming the good in others.

Challenges and Considerations

While being complimentary is encouraged, it is important to ensure that compliments are genuine and not given with ulterior motives. Proverbs 26:28 warns, "A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin." Thus, believers are called to offer sincere and truthful compliments that reflect the love and integrity of Christ.

In summary, the practice of being complimentary is woven into the fabric of Christian living, encouraging believers to uplift one another through words of affirmation, rooted in love and truth.(a.) Expressive of regard or praise; of the nature of, or containing, a compliment; as, a complimentary remark; a complimentary ticket.

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
... except thou comest before him with some eloquent oration?" "It is not, as many take
it to be, even a few babbling, prating, complimentary expressions, but a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/i will pray with the.htm

Strong Souls.
... It is not complimentary to human nature to note that perfectly healthy people, whom
nothing tries and who are ignorant of pain, are seldom tolerant, tender ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beard/strong souls/strong souls.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... It may seem strange that Joseph should relate any thing so complimentary
to himself. But he evidently did it in no boasting mood. ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Elucidations.
... The pall afterwards imposed upon Anglican and other primates by the Court of Rome
was at first a mere complimentary present from the patriarchal see of the West ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on the pallium/elucidations.htm

Acts XXIV
... (9) And the Jews assented, saying that these things were so." The complimentary
words with which this speech is introduced were not undeserved by Felix; for he ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxiv.htm

The Unrivalled Friend
... heart! He must be a fool indeed who believes that there is aught in the
complimentary affection but mere flattery or matter of form. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the unrivalled friend.htm

The Best of Masters
... not as the world gives it. For, in the first place, the world gives peace
in a complimentary style. It was usual among the Orientals ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the best of masters.htm

Letter xxiv (Circa AD 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
... Besides this, you heap upon me, from one end of your letter to the other, complimentary
speeches, and attribute to me excellences of which I am not conscious ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xxiv circa a d 1126.htm

The Breach with Gregory of Nazianzus.
... Gregory replied in friendly and complimentary terms, [187] and pointed out that
Basil's friendship for Eustathius of Sebaste was a cause of suspicion in the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/vii the breach with gregory of.htm

Letter ccliii. To the Presbyters of Antioch.
... [3117] Placed in 376. [3118] This and the three following letters are complimentary
and consolatory epistles conveyed by Sanctissimus on his return to Rome. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ccliii to the presbyters.htm

Complimentary (2 Occurrences)
... (a.) Expressive of regard or praise; of the nature of, or containing, a compliment;
as, a complimentary remark; a complimentary ticket. ...
/c/complimentary.htm - 7k

Banquet (58 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) A feast; a sumptuous entertainment of eating
and drinking; often, a complimentary or ceremonious feast, followed by speeches. ...
/b/banquet.htm - 36k

Complied (1 Occurrence)

/c/complied.htm - 6k

Compliments (1 Occurrence)

/c/compliments.htm - 6k

Honey (62 Occurrences)
... 4. (vi) To be gentle, agreeable, or coaxing; to talk fondly; to use endearments;
also, to be or become obsequiously courteous or complimentary; to fawn. ...
/h/honey.htm - 34k

Honor (240 Occurrences)
... to bestow honor upon; to elevate in rank or station; to ennoble; to exalt; to glorify;
hence, to do something to honor; to treat in a complimentary manner or ...
/h/honor.htm - 37k

Visit (97 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Acts 25:13 A short time after this, Agrippa the king and Bernice came
to Caesarea to pay a complimentary visit to Festus; (WEY). ...
/v/visit.htm - 36k

Short (128 Occurrences)
... Acts 25:13 A short time after this, Agrippa the king and Bernice came to
Caesarea to pay a complimentary visit to Festus; (WEY). ...
/s/short.htm - 37k

Pay (212 Occurrences)
... Acts 25:13 A short time after this, Agrippa the king and Bernice came to
Caesarea to pay a complimentary visit to Festus; (WEY NIV). ...
/p/pay.htm - 37k

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