SEPT. 10, 2013
The
Power Of Affirmation
Read: 1 Corinthians 1:4-9
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which
was given to you by Christ Jesus. —1 Corinthians 1:4
During
a recent study, 200,000 employees were interviewed to discover the missing
ingredient in their productivity. The study concluded that appreciation and
affirmation
topped the list of what they wanted most from their superiors. This
research implies
that receiving affirmation is a basic human need.
The
apostle Paul seemed to realize this basic need in the Corinthian believers, so
before
he peppered them with firm words of discipline, he showered them with
affirmation. As
their spiritual leader, Paul began his letter with thanksgiving
to God for the grace being
displayed in their lives.
Once
far from God, these believers were now participating in His grace through the
death
and resurrection of Christ. United with Jesus, they were drawing their spiritual
life from Him,
and the fruit of this union was their spiritual growth in
godliness (1 Cor. 1:4-7). Paul
deliberately and continually thanked God
for His work in the Corinthian believers’ lives. I
imagine that they were
better able to bear firm criticism from Paul because of his tender affirmation.
When
we see people who are obeying God, let’s take time to affirm them and to thank
God
for what He’s doing through them.
Lord, You are at work in so many ways in my life
and in the people around me. Help me to encourage
my brothers and sisters in Christ by telling them
how I am blessed to see Your work in them.
Praise loudly—correct softly.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
