But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9).

I have a friend who traverses the world helping corporations turn around their company culture. One day, he let me in on the secret of his success: to effect healthy transformation, the most important words you can say to another are I am proud of you.

It’s often much easier to see flaws and point out messes when someone hasn’t measured up to our standards. Honest critiques have their place but saying that you’re proud and thankful for others is spiritual fuel without which positive energy dies.

The Apostle Peter knew that as he addressed oppressed and distressed Christians. Despite their struggles, he described them in precious terms made possible by the realities of God’s grace toward them. 

The apostle put on his gospel glasses to tell people how he saw them through the lens of God’s love. He could have cited many failures and shortcomings – and would offer correction in his letters – but affirmation came first. 

After telling me his secret, my friend paused and then made his own confession: “I haven’t told my struggling son that I am proud of him in years.” The confession transformed his family relationships and helped change his son.

If you can withhold your criticism long enough to extend God’s grace — life-transforming power you’ve been given is yours to give to another.

Prayer:
Lord, I pray that you will enable me to look beyond human flaws and see people as you see them, extending to them such grace as you have lavished upon me.