A Spirit of Affirmation

A Spirit of Affirmation

The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines affirmation as 

‘ 1. To assert strongly, make formal declaration;

   2. To confirm or ratify (used in law related to judgement)’.

However, the Spirit of affirmation has two other important qualities viz, encouragement and praise.  As Christians, it is important to use this gift in ministry as Christ himself did with his disciples.  Also it is another way of combating the power of the evil one and giving people ‘the hope to which they are called’.   Scripture itself gives us encouragement.

When a person is affirmed, not only is encouragement and praise given, but also it can have, as the dictionary meaning suggests the qualities of ratification or confirmation and strong assertive characteristics.

I agree that affirmation is a gift that needs to be used regularly.  However, my own experience of it is it not only needs to sound plausible to the one who hears it, but is in fact delivered with SINCERITY from the one who GIVES OR SPEAKS IT.  This is vital when it is used in interpersonal relationships, and essential in counselling.

I think that it is also important that we constantly are affirmed by Jesus in prayer, so that He heals the whispers of the evil one, (the lies we have listened to about ourselves) which we have allowed to enter our beings, and that our body mind and spirit soaks in the truth that Jesus offers us in affirmation.