Many years ago, an elderly man knocked on the studio door of a world-famous artist. Known for his kindness and compassion, the artist admitted the old gentleman and inquired how he could help him.
Opening a packet of drawings he had made, the elderly man asked the artist to tell him if they were good, or, at the least, if they showed artistic potential.
After looking at the first few, the master knew they were worthless, showing little talent, and he, as gently as possible, gave the elderly man his opinion.
The visitor, though obviously disappointed, seemed to expect such an opinion. Apologizing for taking up more of the master’s time, he begged him to look at just one other set of drawings—these created by a young art student.
The great artist carefully looked them over and immediately became excited. The set of drawings showed great ability, sensitivity and artistic promise.
“These,” he enthused, “are incredible, excellent! This young person possesses great talent and extraordinary potential. Give him every possible help and encouragement to develop his art.
“Tell me,” the master continued, “is this young artist your son?”
Tears filling his eyes, the old man replied, “No. These also are my drawings. I did them over forty years ago. When I was learning to draw, my family and friends only criticized my efforts. I finally became discouraged and gave up. If only someone had said to me then what you have said to me now!”
Too often Christians do the very same thing to each other. We overlook opportunities to encourage one another. Hearing the world talk about paying compliments, we hesitate to do such a thing to another believer because it might cause pride. Instead we say nothing and others are discouraged.
Pride is indeed a hateful thing to God (see Prov. 8:13). But a compliment, in the form of an encouraging word, given to another Christian is not wrong. In fact, it may well be the very thing needed to help them continue in the path of faith.
Think how often the Lord gives each of His children a private, needed word of encouragement, and always at just the right time (Acts 27:23-24)!
Paul reminded Timothy that he was given a gift. But it was to encourage that timid disciple to stir it up and put it to use, not to puff him up in pride.
The Apostle also told Timothy to bring the once-unfaithful John Mark (see Acts 13:5,13) with him because he was now profitable to Paul. How many, through the ages, have read of the restoration of John Mark to service with the Apostle and have been encouraged!
The Apostle John’s expression of joy in Gaius’ faithfulness (3 John 3) was meant, not to cause him pride, but to encourage his heart to go on.
The Spirit of God calls Judas and Silas “chief men among the brethren” (Acts 15:22), not to cause pride, but to encourage all believers to be faithful. Are we seeking to do the same for each other in these dark, discouraging days?
Ed.