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Speaking God's Love Language: Words of Affirmation

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.  Praise the Lord."  Psalm 150:6

Dr. Gary Chapman's best-selling book, The Fire Love Languages, is based on the concept that each person has an innate desire to receive love in one of five ways.  These five ways (or "languages," as he refers to them) are:  Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Gifts, and Physical Touch.

After some time reflecting on what my personal love language is and the love language of my husband, I realized that God speaks each and every one of the five love languages to each of us.  So, if God speaks in each of these five ways to us, shouldn't those who love Him aspire to speak them all fluently back to Him?  Everyday this week  I am going to focus on each of the five love languages and how we as followers of a Loving and Holy God can learn to express love to Him in the same way He expresses it to us.

Words of Affirmation

Our words are powerful.  I know how much it means to me when someone speaks kind and encouraging words that lift my spirit and brighten my day.  Those kind words always mean the most when they come from people I love.  I am in awe that God would speak those words to me.

God's Word is so full of affirming verses that speak words of love into our life.  He affirms our very being and gives us words that strengthen us to endure.  Here are a few examples of the words of affirmation that He speaks to us in His Word:
  • Your life has worth:  "You were bought at a price." 1 Corinthians 6:20a
  • You have been chosen by God:  "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.  In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ."  Ephes. 1:4-5a
  • He loves you:  "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3b
  • He cares for you:  "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7
  • You can do it!:  "I (you) can do everything through him who gives me strength."  Phil. 4:13
  • You are beautiful:  "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."  Gen. 1:27
So, if God sees the importance of showing love through the words that He speaks, then our words should also be affirming when we speak to Him.  In a nutshell, this is called,

PRAISE! 

I've studied and read many theories of what our prayers should consist of, and one thing everyone can agree on is that our prayers should include praises.  Even Jesus began the Disciple's Prayer with a praise to His Heavenly Father.

"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name."  Matt. 6:9b
 
What are some things that you should praise and affirm God for?  This list is in no way exhaustive, but it will give you something to start with:
  • His everlasting love
  • Beauty of creation
  • Freedom from sin
  • Keeping His promises
  • His sacrificial gift of His son
  • Blessings of family, friends, health, & job 
  • His compassion & generosity
The book of Psalms is filled with praises to God.  I challenge you to read the affirming words of Psalm 104 today and make it a prayer of praise from your heart.  Perhaps you need to commit to make time everyday for a time of prayer that consists of nothing but praises to a God who is so worthy of our praise.

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