PrintThe Ministry of Affirmation
A few days ago I met for the last time with a group of fellow Pastors with whom I have shared my life for a number of years in retreat settings. I have walked with some of them for more than 20 years.
Before we parted, they asked for the opportunity to share in a time of affirmation. I can't begin to adequately express what that time meant to me. Each one took time to share with me words of appreciation and encouragement so far as what my life had contributed to their lives.As I listened to their affirmations, I felt like I was being strengthened and secured from the inside out.
There are lots of voices that demand my attention and some of them are anything but positive in their impact. I guess that's why positive affirmation is so welcome in my life.
I think of the time when Jonathan went to David and "strengthened his hand in God". It seems to me that Jonathan had a ministry of affirmation and encouragement at a strategic time in David's life. I also think that Barnabas in the New Testament had a similar impact in the life of Paul. Barnabas' name was Joseph but he was nicknamed "Barnabas" by the disciples because that name means "Son of Encouragement".
How can I affirm others today? Who needs to hear positive words that strengthen and build up rather than negative words that tear down?
