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I complete this series on words of wisdom for the workplace with:
We should always strive to bring out the best in others, not the worst.
Often we can bring out the best in others by giving deserved compliments or recognition—focusing on the positive in them rather than the negative. So often others will improve their performance or their attitude if someone just gives them a little recognition or praise. You can bring out the best in others by commending them when you can.
In Proverbs 15:30 we see that a cheerful look brings joy to the heart. You can bring out the best in others by something as simple as a smile.
Proverbs 12:18 says, “…reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” And Proverbs 15:1a tells us that, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” It’s easy to see that the words we speak can either bring out the worst or the best in people.
If you respond to someone with sharp and uncaring words, in a rushed or hasty manner, it can easily cause them to respond in a poor way. But by choosing your words carefully, it’s amazing how you can change that other person and bring out the best in them.
When you’re dealing with someone who is angry or upset, your goal should be to bring out the best in that person. You can do that by being empathetic and sympathetic: “I’m so sorry you’ve had a problem.” Or “I can certainly understand how you feel.” You can help to calm someone down by controlling the tone of your voice, keeping it calm and kind. You can bring out the best in an angry person sometimes by simply listening and caring about the problem. Those are little things that bring out the best in people.
Don’t you think we could impact our worlds for Jesus Christ if we more and more became people who bring out the best in others? Ask God to make you that kind of Christian.
(Click here to download the devotional for the entire week.)