The Power of Affirming Words

Affirming someone means that you are giving them a pat on the back by establishing a truth.  It is the communicating of worth and potential in other people so clearly that they begin to see it in themselves.  We never outgrow the need for words that give us courage to get up and go again.  We need words that bring out the very best in us.  People don’t need criticism and they don’t need pity but they do need affirmation.

Words of affirmation make it easier for us to believe in God, believe in others and to believe in ourselves.  On the other hand, the lack of affirmation invites our suspicious nature to believe that our darkest thoughts about God, others, and ourselves are all true.

Paul addressed the church in Thessalonica with the following words, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth” (2 Thess 1:3).  Paul said, “I say this because it is your due reward (“as it is meet”) and your lifestyle calls for it.”  I can see that you are growing in faith and in your love toward your brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Jesus was constantly challenging insecurities with words of affirmation.  Matthew records the incident of a leper who came saying, “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean” (Matt 8:2).  In other words the man was saying, “if you will touch me, I will be whole but I don’t know if you really have the desire to touch me.”  Jesus responded by reaching out to touch the leper and saying, “I will; be thou clean” (Matt 8:3).

  
  The words we choose determine the atmosphere in which we live.  Choose to live in an atmosphere where insecurities are challenged and worth and potential can be obtained.