“Congratulations, you could qualify for financial assistance. Reply YES to see what you qualify for.” I often receive texts or emails like this, starting with “congratulations” followed by something not worth celebrating. We live in a world where praise is given not because it’s deserved but to make people feel good, even to sell products. This cheapens praise, and “congratulations” starts to lose its meaning. However, we know when praise is truly deserved, and when earned, it’s well received. While “cheap” praise is unhelpful, genuine praise should be given for effort, even if the outcome isn’t achieved. The greatest goal is to live like Jesus. However, we all fail. But those who rely on him, despite their inadequacies, one day will hear the ultimate congratulations: “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:23). This is not just praise, but grace, for those who missed the mark but longed to be with their Lord. Now that’s a “congratulation” message we should all hope to receive. Open Bible – http://bit.ly/Mat25v23
