Affirmation

 

“and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”  Matthew 3:17

The above verse is in the context of Jesus Christ's baptism by St. John. The interesting fact is Jesus had not begun His earthly ministry yet. He had not yet healed anyone. Nor has He performed His first miracle. He had not preached any sermon. God, the Father reassured His Son that His pleasure was not tied to performance.

The Gospels is far more about what God wants to do in and through us than what we do for Him. He chose us as sons and daughters not because of our resume but because He longed to have a relationship with us. Our actions never cause His affection to change.

We often affirm people based on their actions or acknowledgments. There is nothing wrong with praising your child when they make a 3-pointer or make the honor roll. But they need to know when he fails, you are still proud of them. Their value is not based on their performance.

Find ways to affirm your family, co-workers, and friends for who they are as what they do. Drop a note in your child's lunch box telling them why you love hanging out with them. Send an email to a coworker telling how much you value their friendship.

Be like your heavenly Father and affirm someone today for who they are.