Casandra Martin

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’” – Matthew 25:21

We all need to hear it. Affirming words are a tonic for the heart. They have the power to reignite passion, fine tune perspective, and deepen connection. When we make the deliberate move to speak affirming words to one another, we are helping to cement the transformation we see God working in our lives.

Affirmation makes the choice to speak to someone’s heart. It shines a light on what is true and right in their lives. It upholds the standard of Jesus and celebrates how He is making a difference in the everyday moments. Affirming words help uphold the new growth, true beauty, or deep commitment you see taking shape in someone’s life. It is a powerful gift.

Affirming words are not drippy compliments fixed in a motive to get ahead or be viewed favorably. Affirmation is a sacrifice. It requires time to see and observe the movement of God in another’s life. It demands transparency and vulnerability as we plant blessing, encouragement, honor, and truth in someone’s heart. It means we must stop in the middle of busy lives, pressured schedules, and urgent demands and do the slow, quiet work of confirming God’s goodness and the power of His grace in the life of someone else. It is an investment of the heart that reaps its rewards in courage, confidence, and surety of purpose.

My Jesus Resolution today is to be an affirmer. I am going to take the opportunity today to point out the good God is doing in someone’s life. I am going to cheer when I see courage. I am going to applaud when I see new growth. I am going to wrap my arms around the heart of a friend and tell them that they look like Jesus. I am going to celebrate the small moves toward maturity that I see in my children, and not be shy about telling another that they have done a good job. I want to be an affirmer because Jesus is an affirmer. Listen carefully today. If you do, you will be able to hear Him say, “Well done.”