How can we encourage each other in a way that honors God? On the Thursday edition of Live the Promise Susie talks with pastor Sam Crabtree about the power of God-centered affirmations.
Sam urges us to see the heart needs of each person we meet in life.
“I believe everyone’s thirsty for affirmation. The person who tries to bake a great dish for supper and it doesn’t turn out, they at least want to be appreciated for the effort. Everybody is made in the image of God. There’s something of God in every individual.”
In Sam’s book, , he lists several principles for God-centered praise.
• Flattery is an attempt to get something from someone. Affirmation is a “free-handed” gift of recognizing God’s work in others.
• Words of affirmation bear spiritual fruit and lay up treasures in heaven.
• One simple commendation can turn the tide of a person’s day or even life.
• There’s a difference between affirmation, encouragement, and blessing.
How can we understand how Jesus commends us? Sam shares his thoughts.
“Jesus says to the Father, ‘I want to be with them.’ And he tells His disciples ‘I go to prepare a place for you.’ He wants to hang out with me! He wants to be with me. And no longer calls me a slave but a friend. He loves us and there is no greater love, anywhere. We’re loved with the greatest love possible. He is not indifferent toward us. He has the hairs of our heads numbered. Be anxious for nothing.”
Key Scriptures: Romans 12:10
Theme Song: No Other Name by Hillsong
