Challenge #8 - Give and Receive Affirmation
Feel like a failure? Ever feel like you have made too many mistakes? You are not alone. This is why we are supposed to give and receive affirmation.
God has placed others in our church family to encourage us when we are down. In the Bible and throughout history, there are so many examples of people confronting their faults and wanting to give up. Part of living in community is helping restore others. This is part of God’s plan. We were not created to live alone.
We are called to speak truth into the hearts and minds of others. Actual affirmation and encouragement are simply speaking loving truth to another. We should not spin a situation to the point of lying. We should not invent characteristics of another person to simply make them feel better about themselves. In a loving and empathetic way, we should point out truthful positive characteristics and experiences that God has given them.
When we are down, we forget who God made us to be. We focus on our character flaws and limitations. We are defined by our mistakes. This is when God-centered affirmation is most powerful. We need to be reminded that we all have value. God has created each one of us with certain gifts and characteristics. None of us are called to go it alone. Everyone needs someone. It all fits into God’s plan. This does not erase the pain of the situation but adds to its meaning. With the help of others, we are reminded of who we really are.
Feeling down? Be honest with another trusted Christian brother or sister. Want to help others? Pray that God reveals who you should affirm and encourage. In both situations, keep the focus on Jesus, his plan, and how good he is.
Blog Post: Affirmation Is Not Someone Else’s Gift | Rachel Joy Welcher & The Gospel Coalition
➡️ https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/affirmation-is-not-someone-elses-gift/
In this post, Rachel Joy Welcher challenges us all to realize the importance of affirming others. The Bible commands us to encourage others. Affirmation is not just a gift given to certain people. We are all called “to speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).
Blog Post: Praising Others Is Not Optional | Sam Crabtree & Desiring God
➡️ https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/praising-others-is-not-optional
Similar to the post above, Sam Crabtree talks about how vital it is to encourage others and praise God. “A fire not stoked goes out. A refrigerator unplugged rots the eggs. A garden not tended erupts with weeds.”
Blog Post: The Dangerous ‘Well Done’ Three Risks in Receiving Affirmation | Stephen Witmer & Desiring God
➡️ https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-dangerous-well-done
Stephen Witmer outlines the dangers of affirmation that is not God-centered. “It’s almost impossible to live for God’s ‘well done’ when we’re living for the good opinion of others.”
The Five Love Languages | Gary Chapman
➡️ https://5lovelanguages.com/learn
From his very popular and helpful book The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman has a set of resources and books for people in all stages of life. One of the five love languages is Words of Affirmation. He describes the power of empathy and understanding how different people receive love in different ways.