Episode 95: Beyond Compliments
SUMMARY
Many confuse compliments with encouragement, but true encouragement builds the soul from the inside out. In this episode, Milo and Olivia unpack the biblical foundations of encouragement, how to cultivate it daily, and why practicing it stirs us away from grumbling and complaining. Join the conversation at Resilient Lineage Podcast for deep, faith-rooted insights.
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INTRODUCTION
Many confuse compliments with encouragement, but true encouragement builds the soul from the inside out. In this episode, Milo and Olivia unpack the biblical foundations of encouragement, how to cultivate it daily, and why practicing it stirs us away from grumbling and complaining. Join the conversation at Resilient Lineage Podcast for deep, faith-rooted insights.
AVOIDING A SPIRIT OF COMPLAINT
Philippians 2:14-15 - ESV “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation”
1 Peter 4:9 - ESV “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling”
Peter encourages hospitality and good deeds without grumbling, linking attitude closely to authentic Christian conduct .1 Corinthians 10:9-10 - ESV “Do not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer”
Compliments admire fruit; encouragement strengthens root.
How do we become a people who encourage?
1. Navigate the difference between Compliments vs. Encouragement
Compliments Often:
Affirms performance, not character
Often highlights that which is fading
Can lack spiritual depth
Can unintentionally fuel pride
Biblical Encouragement:
Points to Christ’s work, not human effort
Focuses on building godly character
Holds an eternal perspective
Strengthens for faithfulness
NOTE: Compliments aren’t sinful — but they are not soul building like encouragement be.
2. Beware of the trap of flattery
Flattery = praise with wrong motives. Scripture warns strongly:
Proverbs 29:5 – Flattery sets a trap
Psalm 12:2 – Flattering lips hide double hearts
Proverbs 26:28 – Flattery brings ruin
Flattery often leads to manipulation.
3. What Biblical Encouragement
Two Images
A. Image 1: Parakaleo = “to call alongside.”
The same root is used for the Holy Spirit, our Paraclete. True encouragement is:
Coming alongside someone under spiritual pressure
Strengthening them toward godliness
Helping them persevere through trials
Aiming at sanctification, not self-esteem
Scriptures highlighted:
Hebrews 3:13 – Encourage daily so sin doesn’t harden us
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Build one another up
Hebrews 10:24–25 – Stir one another to love and good works
NOTE: Encouragement is spiritual reinforcement in spiritual warfare.
B. Image 2: Edification: Building God’s Temple Together
Greek word: oikodomeo — “to build up.”
Paul constantly uses construction imagery. Every believer’s life is a building project we get to participate in.Ephesians 4:29 – Speak only what builds and gives grace
NOTE: Encouragement is not casual; it is constructive for the soul.
3. Practical Ways to Give Biblical Encouragement
Root your words in Truth
Be Specific by pointing to the evidence of God’s grace
Call out spiritual fruit, not religious performance
Develop the skill of encouragement daily (Hebrews 3:13)
4. Receiving Encouragement:
Let it strengthen your walk
Give thanks to God
Stay humble by recognizing the progress that has been made and the journey that is still ahead
CONTACT US at hello@thisresilientsoul.com. We are always looking for ways to deepen the quality and expand the impact of this podcast. So if you have some ideas on how we can do that we welcome your input.
Theme Music by Caleb Prasad
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