HOW TO IDENTIFY FLATTERY

 You are beyond the reach of witchcraft manipulations because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional:  HOW

TO IDENTIFY FLATTERY

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

   Flattery is not the same as genuine encouragement. Compliments focus on building others up, while flattery focuses on manipulation. 

EXCESSIVE OR GRAND PHRASING: 

   Look out for over-the-top praise that feels disproportionate to your actual actions.  The bible says "A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin." (Proverbs 26:28)  

HIDDEN AGENDAS: 

   Notice if the praise is immediately followed by a request for a favor, money, or loyalty. The Bible says  "Those who flatter their neighbors are spreading nets for their feet." (Proverbs 29:5) [1, 2]

INCONSISTENCY IN BEHAVIOR: 

      Watch how the person speaks about others; if they praise you but instantly gossip about someone else, their words are unreliable. The Bible says : "For there is no faithfulness in their mouth... they flatter with their tongue." (Psalm 5:9) 

EXCLUSIVELY POSITIVE FEEDBACK: 

   Be cautious of individuals who refuse to offer constructive criticism when honest feedback is clearly needed. The Bible says  "He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue." (Proverbs 28:23) 

UNEARNED INTIMACY: 

   Be alert if someone acts like a close confidant immediately after meeting you, using smooth words to gain quick trust. The Bible says "For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of the naive." (Romans 16:18) 

HOW TO AVOID FLATTERY

   Protecting yourself from flattery requires a mix of self-awareness, biblical discernment, and active boundaries.

CHECK YOUR EGO:   

    Acknowledge your own areas of pride. Flatterers succeed because their victims secretly want to believe the exaggerated praise is true. The Bible says "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18) 

REQUIRE TRUE ACCOUNTABILITY: 

   Surround yourself with proven, long-term friends who have permission to tell you the hard truths. The Bible says "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." (Proverbs 27:6)

TEST THE MOTIVES: 

   Do not instantly accept words at face value; observe whether the speaker's lifestyle and motives align with truth.  "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God." (1 John 4:1) 

REDIRECT THE PRAISE: 

   Deflect exaggerated compliments by sharing the credit with your team or giving glory to God, which neutralizes the flatterer's power over your ego.  "The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise accorded him." (Proverbs 27:21) 

ADDRESS THE BEHAVIOR DIRECTLY: If the behavior continues, establish a clear boundary and refocus the conversation on objective facts.  : "Therefore, putting away lying, 'Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,' for we are members of one another." (Ephesians 4:25) 

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's Word and discernment of spirits.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as Lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome witchcraft manipulations .

+2348035536911   email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com

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