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I once heard a pastor say that when someone told him that they "liked the message today" he always asked them, "which part?" It sounded obnoxious at first, but as he went on he explained that he never knew if people were just saying things to be nice, tickle his ears or really had God speaking to them through his message.  It was such an interesting perspective that I always come back to when giving compliments, encouragements or notes of appreciation. When the Lord uses someone to speak to us, convict us or encourage us shouldn't we take a moment to say thank you to the vessel He used. Of course, all the glory goes to the Lord who doesn't need us, but in fact uses us in spite of ourselves. Let us be great encourages. May we build up with salty words that bless the soul, whether from our mouths or our pens. 

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." 

"Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up." Romans 15:2

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Genuine notes of appreciation can be a great blessing...just remember these tips!

1.Personalize your encouraging words: 

Be authentic! Remember that people know when you are just kissing up. It doesn't seem to happen in church circles that pastors are being kissed up to as much as they are being criticized and fussed at, but be sure they know the difference between praise and disingenuous flattery. Say what is nice, but true. 

2.Don't be cliche or pious: 

Nothing is worse than a bible verse quoted out of context. Make your church leader proud of your biblical literacy by using applicable bible verses to encourage.

3.Send a gift card: 

Whether you know the favorite place of your benefactor or not you know that you can generally bet on a coffee or burgers being a good bet as a wanted gift! If you have a bit more money to spend then a gift card to a nice restaurant would be a sweet gesture.

Sometimes we are more likely to enjoy a treat when it's a gift because we don't have the guilt of spending. 

So when...

• you are blessed by a teaching
• shepherded well
• attending a church with solid theology
• thankful for those who minister to you

Try a thank you with a genuine note of appreciation. 

Thank you so much for sharing your time with us. Did you know it will only take 20,000 Christians donating $100 each to fund our facilities project?! Be 1 of the 15,950 left to help us achieve our vision!

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This post was written by Nickole Perry, co-founder and Director of Operations at Cedar Creek Ministries. 

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