Has someone ever told you something that made you feel really special? The other day my son, Daniel, told me that I am like a polaroid camera because I may be old but I’m still loved. I told him that was the most unusual compliment I have ever received.

If a compliment from another person makes us feel valued, how much more when receive honor from God? Unlike worldly accolades focused on fame, beauty, position, or wealth, God notices character and sacrifice. In looking through the Bible, here are some of what I consider the best compliments ever.

In Genesis 5:24, “Enoch walked with God and he was not, for God took him.” This verse seems to suggest that God enjoyed Enoch’s company so much He took him directly to heaven. He and Elijah are the only two men in the Bible who did not experience physical death.

In Daniel 9:23, an angel appears and tells Daniel that he is “highly esteemed.” Can you imagine a heavenly being calling you highly esteemed?

Matthew 15:8 Jesus told the Canaanite woman, “Your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And similarly, in Matthew 8:10, Jesus described the centurion saying, “I have not found such great faith with any one in Israel.” What faith they must have had for Jesus to praise!

Luke 1:30 The angel said, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.”  A young girl in a rural village found such favor with God that she was given the amazing privilege of becoming the mother of the Messiah. When we find favor with God, who can imagine the possibilities He has planned for us?

The Lord commended Mary of Bethany, who in the midst of all life’s demands, chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His words, “Mary has chosen the good part which shall not be taken away from her.”  Jesus commended Mary’s wise choice of priorities to seek Jesus over the tasks of the day.

Revelation 3:8 Jesus to the church in Philadelphia, “I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you and open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My words, and have not denied my name.” God took notice of the deeds of a small church and promised to open great opportunities and accomplish these by His own power.

And finally, in 1 Kings 9:4, the Lord describes David to his son Solomon, he “walked in integrity and uprightness.” In chapter 11, verse 4 the writer records that David’s heart was wholly devoted to the Lord.  For my heart to be completely His is one of my greatest desires.