Today's Daily Bread
The Power Of Affirmation
Our Daily Bread
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.
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.
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