Life as a Christian Woman

Affirmation: The assertion that something exists or is true.
Definition courtesy Dictionary.com

There used to be a skit on Saturday Night Live called “Daily Affirmation with Stuart Smalley.” Each skit ended with the main character looking into a mirror at himself and repeating,

“I’m Good Enough, I’m Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!”

The skit was popular, and the phrase entered the popular lexicon enough to spawn a book and movie. And the truth is that we all need that daily affirmation. But as important as it is to receive it, we must also give affirmation to others.

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul teaches us how to affirm, what traits are needed to be an uplifting Christian to those around us. Words such as encourage, respect, love and patience spring out at us:

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:11-23

In today’s society, when it seems like we are expected to live narcissistic lives and think only of ourselves, Paul’s words are a reminder that it isn’t just about us, it is about our community… our community of faith and our community of love. It is about those around us, all of those around us.

At Christmas, it seems like there is no shortage of charitable activities around us. But charity and affirmation of those around us is a 12 month job. No breaks, no vacations. We are Christians, we must show God’s love. And as God affirms us with His love, we must affirm others.