Approval (Blessing): Building up or affirming another person, particularly for who they are (as opposed to what they do); affirming both the fact and the importance of our relationship with another person.( Ephesians 4:29; Mark 1:11)
Maybe you think a little as I do, and sometimes see approval as a negative thing. Do you think more along the lines of approval being something you look for from others to validate you as a person?
Please read the definition for approval above….this is not the negative at all!
This kind of approval is positive and though we do need approval it is not to validate who we are or to give us worth. We already have value. We are worthy of love and being known. This “approval” is to build us up so we understand that someone thinks we are worth knowing and recognizes the wonder of who we already are… and to affirm the value we have inherently as God’s loved creation.
Some positive synonyms for approval are: Blessings, Confirmation, Favor, Admiration and Praise. Receiving approval in this way particularly from your spouse, builds up and affirms the person you are! A confirmation of the “wonderful” that your spouse sees in you already!
Let’s practice speaking the beautiful we see in one another – to one another.
Proverbs 16: 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
THREE SOURCES OF LIGHT – Help Us Experience Support
Light Source #1: Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12)
Walking in the Light: Having a fresh encounter with Jesus.
Please read Romans chapter 4:
God approves of us the same today as He did with Abraham. Through faith in Him we are given His righteousness. We can not earn it, so no one can boast. By faith in Christ as our Savior we are approved in God’s eyes and completely forgiven!
When did you place your trust in Christ? Would you take a few minutes and think about that time in your life, that moment of faith or the process you experienced? What were the circumstances that brought you to the moment of decision when Jesus became more than a name, and you acknowledged Him as living Lord of life- your life?
Do you know that God loved you even before you were born? Yes! He 100% approved of you, His child, even before the day you took your first breath! It is hard to comprehend but true nonetheless. He planned for you to be with Him forever but left the choice to you!
Would you pour out your thankfulness to God for extending His heart of love to you, for approving of you and desiring a forever relationship with you. As long as it has been since Abraham’s days on earth, God still extends His desire to save us and will to those after us!!!
Light Source #2: God’s Word is a lamp and a light, so walk in the light of frequent experiences of doing His Word. Psalm 119: 105
Let’s do: 1 Thessalonians 5:11a
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.
Often I see and hear couples doing just the opposite with their spouse. I often hear complaints and negativity spoken about their spouse and often it’s done publicly. This practice of “sharing” with your friends, family (your own children) or co-workers just tears down the heart of your marriage.
Choose instead to build up and show approval to your spouse by speaking well of him/her to others…in front of them is a bonus – I might add. To praise them for how special they make you feel or how you see him/her loving your kids. Speak admiration of them for how they live their life at home, at work, and with friends. Speak well of your spouse…it is a great love builder!
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship with Your Spouse: “the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14
Valentine’s Day is coming! What a great occasion to build up your spouse!
Pick out the sweetest Valentine’s card you can find for your spouse or create one yourself. Prepare one that says all the things you would want to convey to him/her. Then, would you write in the card some praises for specific things about them that you absolutely adore! A bit mushy?? Maybe…but its Valentines Day and you are allowed to be extra mushy! 😉 (Plus, your spouse will love it!)
You don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day to show your approval or only show it on that day. In fact…you can express it daily! What might that look like, you may wonder?
On any given day…what does your spouse do/say that you admire, appreciate, are blessed by? Think about it…anything you thought of that made you smile? THAT’S what you tell them! It is easier for some than others, but it is a marriage changer!!!