Affirmation

God created us, so he understands our need for affirmation.

• Genesis 1:27 HCSB So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female.

How does God affirm us? He values us so much that he was willing to send his Son to die for us because he wants us to live with him forever.

• 1 Corinthians 15:3 HCSB For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

God continues to work on, in and through us – continuously investing Himself in us.

• 1 Peter 2:5 HCSB you yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

How do we affirm others? We affirm one another through encouragement, praise, and building each other up. This also gives us a great sense of worth.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 HCSB Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.
• Romans 14:19 HCSB So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.

We keep in mind that self-affirmation is possible – but only through being a blessing to others.

• Hebrews 7:7 HCSB Without a doubt, the inferior is blessed by the superior.

We do not seek our “rights”. Even if we have the right to do something we should also consider the needs of others.

• Galatians 5:13-14 HCSB For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don't use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
• Philippians 2:3-4 HCSB Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4 Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Do not seek affirmation from others. Their praise is but a fleeting and hollow substitute for the real thing. Seek God’s praise.

• James 4:10 HCSB Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

You will find true satisfaction in discovering and using your spiritual gifts within the context of ministry.

• Matthew 25:19-21 HCSB "After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, 'Master, you gave me five talents. Look, I've earned five more talents.' 21 "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master's joy!'