By Joshua Goldenberg
One of the deepest human needs is the need to feel appreciated. Love is not about getting something you want, but doing something for the well-being of the one you love. When we receive affirming words, we are far more likely to be motivated to ‘pay it forward’. If this is your love language you will speak words of affirmation over the people you care about and appreciate it the most when they speak affirming words to you.
“The tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 18:21
Here the Bible clearly states that our words have power. So, when we use this power in a way that pleases God it helps us and those who we speak to in a way that can inspire, encourage and motivate them. It also explains why we can be hurt so easily by words. The old mantra “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” is simply not true, and we must watch the words we say, for just as our words have the power to build up, they also have the power to tear down.
True worship stems from all of this. When we worship God, we declare words of affirmation over him, giving glory to his name, putting him before ourselves and our own desires, all because we love him.
God commands us in John 15:12 to “love each other as I have loved you” and in Mark 12:31 to “love your neighbour as yourself” and in Matthew 5:44 he says to “Love your enemies as you love yourself”. In short God commands us to love everyone whom we come into contact with no matter who they are or what they have done. We should therefore make a conscious effort to build up everyone we interact with.
God knows our words have power to free slaves, to change cities and towns, to change your nation, and in fact they have the power to change the world. Not only do they have the potential to do this they actually have done this.
The 12 disciples supernaturally changed the world just by speaking words of affirmation and telling people about Christ and now it is up to us to do the same.
Joshua is the son of Olly & Helen Goldenberg who have been involved in ministering to families for around 3 decades. At Home with God is a ministry for parents, to equip and encourage them in their role as the primary disciplers of their children.