When we praise a friend, we tend to make positive statements about them in public or in private.  It may be because they have have accomplished something, or it may simply be because we see something in them that is special or noteworthy.  Now I am not talking about praising people just for the sake of praise.  What I am talking about is truly looking for and praising Christ-like character traits and the actions of others around us.

The first benefit of praise is that we will see our relationships with the friends we are encouraging start to grow.  Honest praise of positive traits and actions can put them, and us, on the fast track!

The second benefit is that they may just see their worth in the eyes of God – you can bring that to light for them in the midst of the praise.

Just remember what Paul said in Romans 15:2: “Each one of us must please his neighbor for his good, in order to build them up.”  To me, one of the best ways to please someone (and help them grow) is to build up their spirit with honest praise.

When has honest praise helped you to grow spiritually?  I would love to hear from you!

– See more at: http://www.bethgablehicks.com//what-praising-others-can-accomplish/#sthash.AIgJuhCg.dpuf