Positive Affirmation and Encouragement

Ephesians 4:29 (New International Version)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

In "Today in the Word" it is reported that, "Dr. Howard Hendricks of Dallas Theological Seminary says he can remember only two of his childhood school teachers; his fifth and sixth grade teachers. He had a reputation for causing trouble in the classroom. His fifth grade teacher dealt with him by tying him to his seat and wrapping mucilage paper over his mouth.

"Finally, Dr. Hendricks reports, he was promoted to the sixth grade. His teacher was 6'4" tall, 'a feminine version of Sherlock Holmes.' As he walked into her class she said, 'Oh, you're Howard Hendricks. I've heard a lot about you.' But then she added, 'But I don't believe a word of it!'

"She convinced him that she had confidence in him, and Dr. Hendricks recalls that he knocked himself out to please her."

Every child and every adult -- including the elderly — need lots of positive affirmation and encouragement. Everyone needs someone to believe in and love him/her ... without which we can shrivel up and die inside.

Dear Lord we pray that we would be the encouragement to everyone we come into contact with. We pray that we would focus on the positive things rather than the negative. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.